Revisiting Roots: A Family Adventure in Westport

Nature's Embrace: A Day of Exploration in Westport

Today was a day of reconnecting with nature and rediscovering the simple joys of Westport. From the tranquil trails of Brackloon Woods to the breathtaking views at Bertra Beach, it was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. It reminded me why I always feel so at home whenever I return.


Discover the serene beauty of Brackloon Woods, a stunning national forest in Co. Mayo, perfect for hiking, picnicking, and reconnecting with nature.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at The Tucker Bag Café. Saoirse was particularly excited about the organic porridge with granola and honey, while Hans opted for the classic pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. I enjoyed a Tipsy Tumeric smoothie, which was the perfect start to a day of exploring. The Tucker Bag is a great spot, and it's easy to see why it's so popular with locals and tourists alike. The friendly staff and delicious food made it a memorable start to our day.


Discover the heart of Westport at The Tucker Bag Café, where homemade delights meet warm hospitality in a charming atmosphere.

After breakfast, we set off for Brackloon Woods, a place I remember fondly from my childhood. It's located just a short drive south of Westport, and the drive itself is beautiful, with rolling green hills and glimpses of Croagh Patrick in the distance. As we drove, I reminisced with Hans about the countless hours I spent exploring these woods as a child, building forts and imagining all sorts of adventures.

The Brackloon Wood trailhead is easy to find, and the walk through the woods is gentle and well-marked. The woods are one of the largest surviving remnants of the ancient wooded landscape that once covered much of Ireland. Walking beneath the canopy of native oak trees, some of which are 150-200 years old, was like stepping back in time. The air was fresh and clean, filled with the scent of damp earth and the sound of birdsong.

Saoirse was fascinated by the forest, and we spent a good amount of time identifying different types of trees and plants. We even spotted a few woodland creatures, including a couple of squirrels and a robin. The woods are also home to an extremely rare white orchid, but unfortunately, we didn't spot one of those today. I made sure to tell Saoirse about the local stories and legends of caves and hidden treasures in the woods, which kept her entertained and engaged throughout the walk.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

After our woodland adventure, we were ready for lunch, so we headed to Sol Rio Restaurant in Westport. This place is a gem. Jose Barroso, the Portuguese chef, and his wife Sinead Lambert, who is a local Westport lady, have been running the restaurant for over twelve years, and they've built up quite a reputation for their eclectic menu and friendly service. We started with a selection of homemade breads, including a delicious treacle bread that reminded me of my grandmother's baking. For our main courses, Hans and I opted for the seafood pasta, which was packed with fresh, local seafood. Saoirse chose the chicken cacciatore, which she devoured with gusto. The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. It was the perfect place to relax and refuel after our morning hike.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Sol Rio Restaurant in Westport; where every dish tells a story of flavor and tradition.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we drove to Bertra Beach, a wide sandy beach located about 12km from Westport. The beach connects the mainland with Bertra Island and offers stunning views of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick. As we arrived, the sun was shining, and the sky was a brilliant blue. The tide was out, revealing a vast expanse of sand that stretched out into the bay. It was the perfect setting for an afternoon of beachcombing and relaxation.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Bertra Beach in Co. Mayo, where golden sands meet stunning views and endless adventure awaits.

We spent a couple of hours walking along the beach, collecting seashells and admiring the views. Saoirse was particularly fascinated by the drumlin islands scattered across Clew Bay. I explained to her that these islands were formed by glacial movements thousands of years ago and that local folklore claims there are 365 of them, one for every day of the year. We watched as kite surfers and windsurfers took to the waves, their colorful sails adding to the vibrant scene.

Bertra Beach is a Blue Flag beach, which means it meets high standards for water quality and cleanliness. It's also a popular spot for bird watching, and we saw a variety of seabirds during our visit. As the afternoon wore on, we found a sheltered spot in the dunes and simply sat and enjoyed the peace and quiet. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was incredibly soothing, and I felt all the stresses and worries of daily life melt away.

As evening approached, we drove back to Westport, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated by our day in nature. For dinner, we decided to try The Tavern Bar & Restaurant in Murrisk. The Tavern is known for its traditional Irish cuisine and cozy atmosphere, and it didn't disappoint. We started with some delicious seafood chowder, followed by a hearty lamb stew for Hans and me, and fish and chips for Saoirse. The portions were generous, and the food was cooked to perfection. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and we felt right at home.


Discover local flavors at The Tavern Bar & Restaurant in Murrisk - a cozy gastropub with stunning views and a delightful menu.

After dinner, we decided to stop by Cosy Joe's for a nightcap. This bar is a Westport institution, known for its lively atmosphere and live music. It was the first Westport pub to obtain a late license, and it's still a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. We enjoyed a couple of drinks while listening to some traditional Irish music. Saoirse even got up and danced a little jig, much to the amusement of the other patrons. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.


Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Cosy Joe's, Westport's premier cocktail bar, where every drink tells a story and every visit is unforgettable.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post from the comfort of our room at The Wyatt Hotel, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share my love of Westport with my family. Tomorrow, we're heading to Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey, so it will be another day filled with beautiful scenery and cultural experiences. I am particularly excited to show Hans and Saoirse Kylemore Abbey. It is one of the most iconic buildings in Ireland and a place I have wanted to visit again for a long time. But for now, it's time to rest and recharge for another day of adventure. I feel so lucky to be able to share these experiences with my family, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. It's moments like these that make life truly special.


Discover comfort and convenience at The Wyatt Hotel, nestled in the heart of Westport, with easy access to local attractions and amenities.

Today was a reminder of the simple pleasures in life: the beauty of nature, the warmth of family, and the joy of rediscovering your roots. I am reminded of a quote by John Muir:

In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.

And isn't that the truth? Tonight, I'm going to sleep soundly, dreaming of oak trees, sandy beaches, and the sound of Irish music.