08 Apr Westport, County Mayo
Westport was laid out as an adjunct to the Marquess of Sligo’s Westport House in the late 18th century, and its legacy of town planning can be seen in the comfortably spacious streets. The town focuses on the canalised River Carrowbeg, which tumbles gently over low steps through the tree-lined avenue called The Mall. A column in the middle of the octagonal market square now supports a modern statue of St Patrick where one of George Glendenning, banker and benefactor, stood until 1922.
There are several buildings with fine Georgian features, recalling the days of Westport’s prosperity, when it thrived on the cotton and linen trade. Among them is an exceptionally lovely Protestant Church (built around 1880), which displays the sinuous organic qualities of Art Nouveau.
Westport is a picturesque town that is worth a visit on your Ireland tours.