Westport

The Mall, Westport

Ref. 62333, Valentine

National Library of Ireland

The Mall, Westport
National Library of Ireland

The Mall, Westport

Ref. 62333, Valentine

National Library of Ireland

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Westport is Mayo's third largets town and is one of the premier tourist towns in the west of Ireland. It has the distinction of being one of Ireland's few planned towns, the architect chiefly associated with this project being James Wyatt. One of the chief architectural landmarks of Westport is Westport house, home of Lord Sligo, Earl of Altamont.. The main part of the house was designed by Richard Castle in 1731 for John Browne, the first Earl of Altamont.

Westport House & Quay

Westport House & Quay painted by James O'Connor, 1818

Westport House & Quay

Westport House & Quay painted by James O'Connor, 1818

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The town is situated at the entrance to Clew Bay dominated by Croagh Patrick in the background. Its location led to the development of the Quay area and Westport was Mayo's main port until the coming of the railways in the 1870s.