Things to see and do in the Westport area?
 

We are going to be in Westport area for a day and spending the night there before heading to Cong and Ashford Castle for the following night. What are the "must-see" things in this area? I'm afraid a lot of the places may not be open in the first part of Nov. Would like to see Kylmore Abbey. Any other suggestions?

I'm sorry I should have added to my message above that I am talking about Ireland.

If you drive from Westport over to Louisburgh, you can stop at Croagh Patrick and the famine monument along the shores of Clew Bay. The Granuaile Center is located in Louisburgh and is definitely worth a stop. Drive from Louisburgh to Leenane through the Doolough Valley ---really spectacular scenery. (And I just love tiny Leenane.) From there, you're just a short and beautiful drive from Kylemore.

I'm assuming you'll have a car. Just north of Westport is Newport. Located there is a great restaurant and hotel called Newport House. North and west of Westport is Achill Island, which will probably be deserted in Nov. but it has the most amazing beaches - and the pubs will still be open. You can take a bracing walk then warm up by a peat fire.

Cong is a bit touristy, a lot of cashing in on the Quiet Man stuff, but Ashford Castle is spectacular. I'd watch the Quiet Man before you go and then while in Cong you can buy a map that points out many of the locations from the film. We only found about half of them but had a lot of fun looking. The ruins of Cong Abbey are interesting as is the Monk's Fishing House. A drive along the north end of Lough Corrib is also beautiful.

sueks,

North of Westport is Achill Island, the largest island in the Republic. If fair, sunny weather is on your side, make a point of touring the island. The scenery is most impressive, and given the fact you'll be touring during "low" season, the island should offer a blissfully remote, tourist-free quality. On the other hand, Achill is mainly a draw for the native Irish, enjoying Achill during the summer.

Best of luck.

Thanks for much for the helpful info and good ideas. We are really getting exciting about going.