Revisiting Roots: A Family Adventure in Westport

A Climb to Remember

Today was a day of physical challenge, historical exploration, and deep connection to my roots. It was a day where the beauty of Westport truly shone. From scaling a sacred mountain to delving into local history, today was a reminder of why I love this place.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Jw's Brasserie in The Wyatt Hotel. Fuelled up, we set off to tackle Croagh Patrick.


Discover the spiritual and natural beauty of Croagh Patrick, a historic mountain peak in County Mayo, Ireland, renowned for its breathtaking vistas and rich heritage.
I've always heard it called 'The Reek' by the locals, a name that somehow makes the climb sound even more imposing. As someone who grew up in Westport, I’ve always felt a pull towards Croagh Patrick, but I hadn’t climbed it in years. Bringing Hans and Saoirse along felt like a rite of passage, a way of sharing a significant piece of my heritage with them.

The drive to Murrisk, the small village at the foot of the mountain, was stunning. Clew Bay sparkled in the morning sun, its islands dotting the horizon like emerald jewels. I pointed out a few landmarks to Hans and Saoirse, telling them stories my grandfather used to tell me about the area. Saoirse was particularly fascinated by the tales of Grace O'Malley, the pirate queen who once ruled these waters. She peppered me with questions about her all the way to the visitor center.

The climb itself was… challenging, to say the least. The path started off gently enough, but it soon became steeper and rockier. Hans, ever the supportive husband, kept encouraging me, while Saoirse, surprisingly, bounded ahead with the energy of a mountain goat. I, on the other hand, found myself lagging behind, my legs protesting with every step. I definitely felt the years since my last climb! But the views… oh, the views! Each upward step revealed a more breathtaking panorama of Clew Bay and the surrounding countryside. The patchwork fields, the shimmering water, the distant mountains – it was all achingly beautiful.

The climb is steep, with uneven and rocky terrain. The final ascent, known as the scree slope, is particularly challenging due to loose stones.

About two-thirds of the way up, the path turned into a seemingly endless scree slope. Loose stones shifted under our feet, making each step feel like a small victory. I could see the small chapel at the summit, a beacon of hope in the distance. It was around this point that I started questioning my life choices. Why did I think this was a good idea? Was it too late to turn back? But then I looked at Saoirse's determined little face and Hans's encouraging smile, and I knew I had to keep going. We were doing this together.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the summit. The feeling of accomplishment was immense. We stood there, breathless and sweaty, gazing out at the world below. Clew Bay stretched out before us, a vast expanse of blue dotted with countless islands. I tried to count them, remembering the old saying that there's an island for every day of the year, but I quickly lost track. It didn't matter. What mattered was that we were here, together, sharing this incredible moment.

We spent some time at the summit, soaking in the views and catching our breath. Saoirse explored the small chapel, while Hans and I simply sat and enjoyed the silence, broken only by the occasional gust of wind. I felt a sense of peace and connection to this place, to my history, to my family. It was a feeling I wouldn't trade for anything.

The descent was, if anything, even more challenging than the ascent. My knees protested with every step, and I had to concentrate to avoid slipping on the loose stones. But we took it slow and steady, helping each other along the way. As we neared the bottom, I felt a surge of pride and gratitude. We had conquered Croagh Patrick, together.

After our triumphant descent, we were starving! We headed straight for The Helm in Westport for a well-deserved lunch.


Discover authentic Irish cuisine at The Helm in Westport—where great food meets breathtaking views along the scenic Quay.
The pub was buzzing with activity, filled with locals and tourists alike. We ordered some hearty Irish fare – fish and chips for Saoirse, a seafood chowder for Hans, and a traditional bacon and cabbage for me. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. It was the perfect way to refuel after our mountain adventure.

With our bellies full, we decided to explore a bit of Westport's history and headed to the Clew Bay Heritage Centre.


Explore the captivating history and culture of County Mayo at the Clew Bay Heritage Centre, a treasure trove of local heritage and genealogy.
Housed in a charming 19th-century building, the centre tells the story of Westport and the Clew Bay area, from pre-Christian times to the present day. I remember visiting this place as a child on school trips, but it was fascinating to revisit it with fresh eyes and share it with my family.

The Heritage Centre is run by the Westport Historical Society, and the guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the local history. He told us stories of pirates, rebels, and famine victims, bringing the past to life with vivid details. Saoirse was particularly interested in the exhibits about Grace O'Malley, her imagination fired up by the tales I had told her earlier in the day. The centre also had exhibits about Croagh Patrick, the Irish War of Independence, and local traditions. It’s amazing how much history is packed into this small corner of Ireland.

Artefacts, documents and photographs connected with the general Westport area provide a basis for the presentation of local history, customs and traditions.

Before dinner, we strolled through the town, soaking in the atmosphere and popping into a few shops. We stopped at The Woollen Market, a treasure trove of Irish knitwear and crafts.


Experience the charm of Irish fashion at The Woollen Market in Westport - a treasure trove of locally crafted clothing and accessories.
I was on the hunt for a cozy sweater to take back to Berlin, and I was spoiled for choice. The shop was filled with beautiful Aran sweaters, colorful scarves, and soft woolen blankets. I finally settled on a classic cream-colored sweater with a traditional cable knit pattern. It felt like a piece of Ireland I could wrap myself in on cold Berlin days. Saoirse picked out a colourful scarf, and Hans found a nice flat cap.

For dinner, we went to The Creel Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and cozy atmosphere.


Discover The Creel Restaurant: A Culinary Delight in Westport Offering Local Flavors & Unforgettable Views.
The restaurant was tucked away in a quiet corner of town, and it felt like a hidden gem. We started with some Galway oysters, which were incredibly fresh and briny. For our main courses, we had the catch of the day – pan-fried hake with roasted vegetables. The fish was cooked to perfection, and the vegetables were bursting with flavor. It was a delicious end to a long and eventful day.

As we walked back to The Wyatt Hotel, the town was quiet and peaceful.


Discover comfort and convenience at The Wyatt Hotel, nestled in the heart of Westport, with easy access to local attractions and amenities.
The streetlights cast a warm glow on the buildings, and the air was filled with the scent of salt and seaweed. I felt a deep sense of contentment. Today had been a perfect blend of physical challenge, historical exploration, and family bonding. It was a day that reminded me of why I love Westport, and why I wanted to share it with my family.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore the Great Western Greenway, a scenic cycling trail that follows the route of an old railway line. We're also hoping to take a Westport Sea Safari to get a closer look at Clew Bay and its many islands. I'm excited to see what adventures tomorrow will bring, but for now, I'm content to curl up in my cozy sweater and dream of Croagh Patrick.