Westport Christmas & New Year Walking Festival 2024

For information about exact dates and arrangements for this event during the COVID 19 restrictions please visit the website.

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This festival seems to have been discontinued in 2019.

If you’re feeling a bit guilty about those extra mince pies, all the cheese and the Christmas cake you ate almost single handedly, this is the answer: make up for it all with a couple of days of walking around lovely Clew Bay in Westport.

The first day of walking takes you over the highest mountain in Connaught, Mweelrea, on a 10k route suitable for those of  at least moderate fitness. The second day takes you across a lower but possibly trickier – it can be muddy and wet in parts – 7k route over Leenane Mountain. Both routes have truly spectacular scenery along the way and the 360 degree views from the top make the effort more than worth it.

Walks are led by Gerry Greensmyth, a well know and highly regarded guide. In the evenings you can relax and restore your aching muscles in the pubs of Westport, where you’ll hear some of the best traditional music available anywhere in Ireland.

Map & Directions

The meeting place for walks each day is the Octagon in the centre of Westport, with departure at 9.30am sharp. You can book in advance at the website, but if you’ve not had a chance to do so just turn up, you’ll be accommodated.

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