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Clew Bay Heritage Centre: Discover Westport's Story

Uncover the captivating history and heritage of Westport and Clew Bay at this engaging local museum and genealogical research center.

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Explore the rich history of Westport and the Clew Bay area at the Clew Bay Heritage Centre. Housed in a 19th-century stone building, the center showcases artifacts, documents, and photographs that bring the region's past to life, from pre-Christian times to the present day.

A brief summary to Clew Bay Heritage Centre CLG

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they vary depending on the season.
  • Consider joining a guided walking tour of Westport to learn more about the town's history and architecture.
  • If you're interested in genealogy, take advantage of the center's research service to explore your Westport roots.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Westport town, walk along the Carrowbeg River towards the Quay. Follow the Quay Road for approximately 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) until you reach the Clew Bay Heritage Centre on your left. The walk is mostly flat and takes about 20-25 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take Bus 450 from Westport town center towards the Quay. Alight at the Quay stop, a short walk from the Clew Bay Heritage Centre. The bus runs regularly, but less frequently on Sundays. A single fare within Westport is approximately €2-€3.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Westport town. A taxi from the town center to the Clew Bay Heritage Centre at the Quay will cost approximately €8-€12. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

  • Parking

    If driving, there is on-site parking available near the Clew Bay Heritage Centre. Parking rates are approximately €1.50 per hour, with a daily rate of €7.00.

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Discover more about Clew Bay Heritage Centre CLG

The Clew Bay Heritage Centre, located on the scenic Quay in Westport, offers a captivating journey through the history of Westport and the surrounding Clew Bay area. Situated in a 19th-century stone building that once served as a holding area for live pigs awaiting transport, the center provides a unique glimpse into the region's social history, customs, and traditions. The center's exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including Croagh Patrick, Grace O'Malley (the Pirate Queen), John MacBride, Maud Gonne, the Irish War of Independence, the 1798 Rebellion, and local schooling. Visitors can view memorabilia related to Ireland's struggle for independence, World War II, the railway, and the port of Westport. The Clew Bay Heritage Centre also offers a genealogical service, backed by an extensive computer database of church records, census returns, local newspapers, and street directories, for those looking to research their Westport roots. Visitors often describe the center as a "chaotic but engaging jumble" and "a veritable garage sale of history," reflecting its eclectic collection and immersive atmosphere.

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