The car park at Croagh Patrick is now closed to the public. The decision was taken on behalf of Mayo County Council to close the car park in Murrisk following the request by local Gardí.

This is the second time that the car park has been closed during the pandemic along with an advisory not to climb the mountain during the tightening of restrictions. The decision was made after considering the added risks both Mayo Mountain Rescue and front line services face in rescuing climbers.

For more updates, follow Destination Westport social media accounts.

“We are delighted that Westport hotels who are members of Destination Westport have recently been accredited with the Failte Ireland Safety Charter,” says Ciara Joyce chairperson of Destination Westport. “As we plan our staycations, guests and customers need to know they are safe. Wherever customers see the COVID-19 Safety Charter logo, they’ll know that recommended safety and cleaning guidelines are being adhered to and that staff members have completed essential hygiene and safety control training.”

SAVE

In addition to this new Failte Ireland & Government initiative Destination Westport have signed up to be part of the Stay and Spend Scheme, a tax scheme aimed at consumers save and to helps drive sales in the hospitality sector. The scheme will provide a maximum of €125 in income tax credits to tax-payers who spend up to €625 in restaurants, pubs, hotels, B&Bs and other qualifying businesses, from Autumn 2020 through to Spring 2021.

“Destination Westport members have welcomed this initiative from the government and hope it will encourage the domestic market to take a break in Ireland during the winter months.’ says Joyce.  “Westport is heavily reliant on the over 60’s market during these months but there is a general fear among this age group around travel at present. We hope the Stay and Spend scheme will encourage all age groups to get out there and explore our beautiful part of the country this winter and into the spring. Encouraging guests to come and stay in Westport will in turn drive business to the local shops, restaurants and pubs.”

Find out more about the Spend & Stay scheme here. 

After reading last Friday’s Irish Times piece ‘Covid 19: Westport braces for tough times ahead’ with interest. Japers, we thought. That’s a bit downbeat.

Now, we’re not saying that this isn’t a really, really hard time for everyone – but if there’s one thing we are not here in Westport, it’s defeatist.

We know this weird new normal is only temporary. It will pass, and when it does, we’ll be ready for the bounce. And in the meantime we’re seeing this as a challenge – and another opportunity to prove the strength of our community bonds and the depths of our compassion for one another as businesspeople, as fellow citizens and as friends.

As a town, we’re pulling together and doing our best to make sure that our amazing home-grown businesses are getting the support they need so that when this virus is kicked, those businesses will be still standing, ready to pick up where they left off.

Westport Chamber of Commerce is offering free membership to all the town’s businesses who sign up during the pandemic. Here at Destination Westport, we’re promoting a host of new ways that people can support local retailers, producers, hotels, tourism operators, fitness and wellbeing businesses, spas and more in our latest Shop Local Feature. And we’re looking forward to the bounce that will bring all our visitors back to our beautiful, friendly town.

Our Westport-based local newspaper, The Mayo News, is keeping people up to speed on the services and schemes that are there to support businesses and community members – and keeping our spirits raised too with stories that show our meitheal and community spirit, as well as tips for mental health and practical day-to-day advice for life during the crisis.

Businesses are also reaching back to the community and finding new ways to support the people who have supported them in the past – and who will again in the future. From The Yoga Root offering free and donation-based online yoga classes to Tertulia Bookshop offering to do home deliveries, and from Cornrue Bakery setting up pre-orders for its addictive sourdough to our local craft-beer producer Mescan Brewery organising a big ‘Post-Corona Party’. (We’re looking forward to that hooley…!)

Westport people are rallying to support our volunteer sector too, with the charities that look after our vulnerable members – charities like Westport Meals on Wheels and Westport Lions Club – doing stellar work and getting huge support from the community and businesses.

Yes, these are challenging times, yes this is unprecedented and bit scary. But in Westport we’re pulling together, and so we will survive together, and maybe even come out of this even stronger. Because that’s what we do here. We weren’t voted the Best Place to Live in Ireland for nothing you know!

Anyone who’s climbed Croagh Patrick recently knows that the pathway to the summit is in a bit of a state. Over the years, the holy mountain’s famous trail has been travelled by countless pilgrims, walkers, racers and rescuers – not to mention sheep, dogs and even a few donkeys. That’s a lot of footfall, and it was bound to take a heavy toll.

In recent years, it became obvious that the path up The Reek (as the mountain is known locally) was badly in need of some TLC. And this week that TLC has come – in the form of a whopping €480,000 in government funding for repair and restoration. The funding was approved by Westport’s own political heavyweight, Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring, and it will be used to support sustainable access works and habitat restoration on Croagh Patrick.

Announcing the welcome cash injection, the minister explained that the money will be used to ‘create a stone path to enable walkers and pilgrims to use the mountain in a sustainable way’.

The pathway will be mostly about two metres wide, with occasional wider parts to allow walkers to gather together without spilling off the route and damaging the surrounding vegetation.

“The objective is to manage the path in a way that is sympathetic to the setting whilst respecting the cultural value of the mountain,” said Minister Ring, who also paid tribute to the work done by the local Croagh Patrick Stakeholders Group and Mayo County Council in coming up with a sustainable solution for the much-loved mountain.

Locally sourced materials will be used throughout the restoration works. The aim is to use materials harvested from the length of the route itself. Any imported stone will match that of the Croagh Patrick quartzite.

All work will be finished by hand, with the use of excavators kept to a minimum so that people climbing the mountain can do so in as safe an environment as possible.

Alongside the path and habitat restoration efforts, a new public-awareness programme is also being rolled out for all who ascend the Reek’s sacred trail. This will be aimed at promoting appropriate use, managing expectations and encouraging people to consider their potential impact on Croagh Patrick, as well as helping them to understand the historical and cultural significance of the mountain.

Good news indeed, and we at Destination Westport welcome the announcement with open arms and high hopes!

1. Catch a show

Lyngo Theatre Presents Heart of Winter, Westport Town Hall, Dec 8th

What could get you more in the mood for Christmas than a good Christmas show? Westport Town Hall Theatre has a fabulous festive line-up every year, and this year is no different. There’s the Festive Harmony show – an evening of dance, popular classical and musical favourites, carols and more – returns for its fourth year. There’s also beautiful Children’s theatre with the Christmas tale ‘Heart of Winter’, and Christmas concerts by string orchestra Octagon Ensemble, Westport Children’s Choir and Knockroosky National School. And, of course, there’s the all-important annual panto – this year it’s Bo Peep!

2. Westport Town Band

Few things are more Christmassy – or more symbolic of community – than a town brass band playing festive tunes, and here in Westport we have one of the best brass bands around. Established 130 years ago, the 40-strong Westport Town Band is part of our fabric. Catch them on Saturday, December 14, and again on Saturday, December 21, when they’ll be serenading shoppers on the streets with their rousing Christmas repertoire, resplendent in their bright blue, gold and black uniforms.

The band will also be playing in beautiful St Mary’s Church on Christmas Eve from 8.15pm, ahead of the 9pm Christmas Eve Mass.

3. Winter Wonderland

Give the kids a treat they’ll never forget and head to Winter Wonderland at Westport House, where a magical family experience brimming with Christmas cheer awaits. There’ll be fire-side storytelling with Mrs Clause, a visit to Santa in his magical grotto, a visit to Tinsel Town to see the elves at work, Santa letter writing at the North Pole Express post office, and more – and all in the atmospheric splendour of Westport House, beautifully bedecked in atmospheric twinkling lights, lush green garlands and sparkling tinsel trimmings.

4. Spraoi na Nollag

Don’t miss Spraoi na Nollag – an afternoon of free festive entertainment at The Octagon and Westport Town Hall on Sunday, December 15, when Santa himself will arrive in Westport. With the crib and giant Christmas tree taking centre stage at The Octagon, the whole area will be the a fabulously festive focal point. The Clew Bay Jarvey horse and carriage will bring the Man in Red led through the town, led by Westport Town Band, arriving The Octagon for a meet and greet with children. Then it’s into Westport Town Hall Theatre for storytelling, puppet shows, sweet treats, carol singing and more. Warning: Hearts will melt!

5. Christmas Day Swim

Every year for the last 36 years, the hardy souls at Westport Rugby Club have organised a traditional Christmas Day swim, raising funds for local charities. Join the Westport Bulls as they strip down to their swimming togs – bare skin to the biting breeze – before plunging into the icy waters of the Atlantic at Bertra Beach. You’re welcome to brave the briny elements too (a guaranteed hangover cure!), or simply head along to join the crowds giving the courageous dippers a massive cheer. Keep an eye on the club’s Website and Facebook page for updates about times.

In 1767, an ad was placed in Faulkner’s Dublin Journal by the 2nd Earl of Altamont Peter Browne Kelly advertising for tradesmen to build a new town as designed by architect William Leeson. This is considered the foundation year of Westport Town.

A group of people has gathered in 2017 to commemorate this landmark anniversary – to plan, oversee, promote & find the finances for a year-long programme of celebrations.

The brand new programme will run all year long and will include an Air Show, a historical conference, children’s arts festival, a worldwide gathering of Mini car enthusiasts as well as the return of the Westports of the World. The Wesport250 Steering Committee is busy raising sponsorships from corporates, funding from the council and grants to make the entire programme happen. This week, they are also giving individuals – like YOU – the opportunity to contribute to the Launch Celebrations.

The Westport250 Launch Celebration take place on St. Patrick’s weekend – the same date as the advert – and features:
• Thursday, 16th – ‘Patrick’ the hit theatre show in Westport Town Hall
• St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, 17th – A full day’s festivities on the national holiday, open-air traditional session at 1.00pm followed by the rejuvenated Westport250 themed parade culminating in open-air céilí and street musicians.
• Saturday, 18th – At noon, the Piper’s Trail and animated street theatre Westport Story will take off. Later on, the Harbour at Westport Quay is the location for Saturday’s festival programme featuring street performers including Arcana’s giant U2 heads and a spectacular fireworks extravaganza at dusk.
Let’s make it a magic moment of civic pride and a brilliant recognition of everything that we love about Westport. We are asking you to help set the tone for this year-long celebration by donating what you can – we have pledges (with rewards!!) from €25 right up to €1,000 to fit all budgets.

Lend your support and take away a pride in knowing that you’ve made this memorial event happen but also a Westport250 mug or bag, tickets to Patricks or join in the VIP Viewing of the Fireworks from the best vantage spot on top of the Coast Hotel, Westport.
Check out our FundIt Campaign for the Westport250 Launch Celebrations on St. Patrick’s Day and enjoy Alan Clarke’s inspirational video at http://fundit.ie/project/launch-of-westport250

In 1767, an ad was placed in Faulkner’s Dublin Journal by the 2nd Earl of Altamont Peter Browne Kelly advertising for tradesmen to build a new town as designed by architect William Leeson. This is considered the foundation year of Westport Town.

A group of people has gathered in 2017 to commemorate this landmark anniversary – to plan, oversee, promote & find the finances for a year-long programme of celebrations.

The brand new programme will run all year long and will include an Air Show, a historical conference, children’s arts festival, a worldwide gathering of Mini car enthusiasts as well as the return of the Westports of the World. The Wesport250 Steering Committee is busy raising sponsorships from corporates, funding from the council and grants to make the entire programme happen. This week, they are also giving individuals – like YOU – the opportunity to contribute to the Launch Celebrations.

The Westport250 Launch Celebration take place on St. Patrick’s weekend – the same date as the advert – and features:
• Thursday, 16th – ‘Patrick’ the hit theatre show in Westport Town Hall
• St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, 17th – A full day’s festivities on the national holiday, open-air traditional session at 1.00pm followed by the rejuvenated Westport250 themed parade culminating in open-air céilí and street musicians.
• Saturday, 18th – At noon, the Piper’s Trail and animated street theatre Westport Story will take off. Later on, the Harbour at Westport Quay is the location for Saturday’s festival programme featuring street performers including Arcana’s giant U2 heads and a spectacular fireworks extravaganza at dusk.

Let’s make it a magic moment of civic pride and a brilliant recognition of everything that we love about Westport. We are asking you to help set the tone for this year-long celebration by donating what you can – we have pledges (with rewards!!) from €25 right up to €1,000 to fit all budgets.

Lend your support and take away a pride in knowing that you’ve made this memorial event happen but also a Westport250 mug or bag, tickets to Patricks or join in the VIP Viewing of the Fireworks from the best vantage spot on top of the Coast Hotel, Westport.
Check out our FundIt Campaign for the Westport250 Launch Celebrations on St. Patrick’s Day and enjoy Alan Clarke’s inspirational video at http://fundit.ie/project/launch-of-westport250

James KG Hoare

Angel Cara Knight Rainbow Grace

Halford J. McKirdy

Rainbow Grace is a magical, musical adventure for the whole family now showing this summer at Westport Town Hall Theatre.  It is rated Five-F of course, for Fantastic-Family-Friendly-Fun-For Everyone!

Shows are all summer long, every Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm until August 31st. Rainbow Grace is an original tale performed by award winning brother and sister duo, James KG Hoare and Angel Cara Knight. The music and lyrics are composed by the talented and accomplished singer and songwriter, James KG Hoare.

Synopsis:

Have you ever wondered what lies at the Rainbow’s End? Grace certainly has! And now she wants to take you on an adventure, through Rainbow Space, to find out! On the journey you’ll meet some extraordinary characters; inhabitants of strange and exotic realms! There’ll be charming and wondrous music, sublime song and joyous dance. Firstly though, I must ask you three questions; Are you a kind person? Are you true of heart? Are you Brave? You see, if we are to uncover the gifts at the end of the Rainbow, we must answer YES to all these things… For the Rainbow is my friend and it’s my job to keep her precious treasures a secret!

Yours most Sincerely,

Shaun…

Shaun, The Leprechaun

So come along and dare to be dazzled and amazed! Suitable for ALL AGES 1-92! (Over 93s must be accompanied by a child.)

Here’s what audience members are saying:

Sharon Ryder reviewed Rainbow Grace — 5 star

7 hrs ·

Amazing show the kids absolutely adored it. What a talented team to write, produce and perform from scratch. The music alone is a reason to go.

Aoife M Creaby reviewed Rainbow Grace — 5 star

July 10 at 10:44am ·

Hugely entertaining for children and adults. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. A show not to be missed !

Lorraine Bullard reviewed Rainbow Grace — 5 star

July 2 at 10:12am ·

Rainbow Grace is a beautiful show which has both children and adults captivated alike. With catchy music and songs which you will be singing for days after. My 2 and a half year old son was enthralled by the beautiful singing & charismatic characters. Two amazing actors, filled with boundless energy & enthusiasm. A must see for all families over the Summer months. A wonderful production which will leave you full of love & happiness.

Melanie Smyth reviewed Rainbow Grace — 5 star

June 27 at 12:19pm ·

This is an enchanting production!! I would have to echo the sentiments from the previous reviews! I took my 2, 4 and 6 year old to see Rainbow Grace..they were completely engaged, start to finish! We will definitely be back  Congratulations to all involved, superb for the whole family, we loved it.

Catherine Hastings reviewed Rainbow Grace — 5 star

June 26 at 11:35am ·

I attended this yesterday with my four year old grandson. He is still talking about it today. Good wholesome family show. Great to see a show that has a little boy jumping, clapping, dancing, singing and shouting along. Well done to the team involved.

Sarah Billington reviewed Rainbow Grace — 5 star

June 25 at 6:24pm ·

A superb show. A must see for young families. The music is beautiful and the acting first class. It’s funny, engaging,warm and full of lovely messages. Well done Angel and James-we’ll definitely be back again over the summer. X

Debut Show takes pride of place on Westport Stage:
We would like to cordially invite you to join us as a guest to the opening night of our new summer show.
“Patrick” – our brand new production, will take up residence in Westport Town Hall Theatre for July and August 2016. This show will have its world premiere on stage as Westport Town Hall marks its milestone of 1 year in operation since reopening in the summer of 2015 following a significant redevelopment. As Producers of the show want to simply enhance the profile of our facility as a community-focused performing arts venue.
Since opening in June 2015, the Theatre has been a busy hub of activity, welcoming both local and visiting patrons. We have over 100 performances since opening and almost 20,000 people have gone through our doors. Memorable shows have included stellar performances from local community and professional touring Theatre groups, The Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, Neil Delamare, Des Bishop, The Swing Cats, The Willis Clan, The Four of Us, Declan O’Rourke, Mick Flannery, The Westport Festival of Chamber Music, The Westport Arts Festival, Brendan Grace, Johnny McEvoy, The Three Tenors & Jack L, to name but a few. All performing artists have noted the exceptional quality of the acoustics, along with the facilities available as being second to none.
The focus of this artistic production is to bring local traditional Irish & contemporary performing art forms to the stage to produce original pieces of music, dance & imagery as collaborative forms of narration to tell the story of Ireland’s Patron Saint – St Patrick.
Westport is steeped in St Patrick’s legacy, standing under the watchful eye of the monument erected on the Octagon to the Patron Saint, while a mere 10 miles away lies Croagh Patrick – the mountain dedicated to his life and ultimately his unmistakable influence over the Irish people, their traditions & beliefs.
The collaboration of performers include well-known local musicians Des Cafferkey, Declan Askin & Bart De Boer, with dance performers headed up by world champions Liam Scanlon & Ela Kohen. This production is centred around originally produced pieces of live music, dance and imagery as collaborative forms of narration to tell the story of Ireland’s Patron Saint – Patrick. It will take a unique artistic look at his life, highlighting key events, dispelling myths and examining his legacy to Ireland and subsequently – the world. While this musical and dance extravaganza tells the story of St Patrick, it also evokes a broader spirituality and culture through creative performance. “Patrick” will debut on Monday, July 4th and will be staged live every Monday for July and August. Curtain up at 8pm Sharp.
For the opening night, complimentary pre-show drinks will be served for guests from 7.30pm in the exhibition space. We hope you can join us on the night.

Please R.S.V.P. to: 085 877 9796 by text or email: info@westporttheatre.com
Looking forward to seeing you,
Rosaleen Heraty Manager, Westport Town Hall Theatre