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Westport Stag Party

Introduction
The west of Ireland is bleedin’ gorgeous. No two ways about it. Westport in Mayo is particularly stunning. For starters, Croagh Patrick is on your doorstep and the town itself is steeped in history and culture. It’s a hub for nature, surfing, and outdoor activities enthusiasts from around the country and afar. It is also an increasingly popular destination for stag dos. However, there is more than the landscapes and views that this western town has to offer. If you aren’t yet keen about having your stag party here, you most likely will be after we delve into what’s on offer and give our top tips and recommendations of places to stay, things to see, and what to do both during the day and at night. Don’t rule it out just yet!

Local knowledge
With so many options to choose from for well-known spots around Westport, we thought we would go outdoorsy and give you some of the best activities and places to see. We’ve picked three of the many impressive sites near the town.

Croagh Patrick
Overlooking Clew Bay, the mountain is only about 5km from the town. It is well-known for its pilgrimage and is considered the holiest mountain in all of Ireland. It could be the ultimate cure for the night before. Your mammy was right when she said the fresh air will do you good. It should take you about 2 hours to get to the peak and 1.5 hours on the way down. It goes without saying that this would be a weather-dependent activity, so have a check of the forecast before embarking from your hotel. However, this could be a really good stag party idea for your group.

Keem Beach, Achill Island
The island is the largest off the coast of Ireland and is a really popular spot for locals and people near and far. The beach is a hotspot for surfing, once the weather and conditions are right. That’s just the water, the sandy beach itself is unspoiled and on the odd chance that we would have a hot day, would be an unmissable stop-off point. What better to get fresh for the day than to dive straight into the Atlantic. It’s about an hour away not including the boat journey, so if you were serious about this you’ll want to be getting up nice and early.

Great Western Greenway

Stretching from Achill to Westport, this would be a perfect excursion for bike enthusiasts and those looking to get into the great outdoors for a bit of exercise and amazing views. There isn’t anything like the smell of the sea air. The Greenway is 42km long, if you didn’t feel up to the full 42km, you can do an 11km cycle from Newport ( north of Westport) back to the town.

Local beers

Mescan Brewery, Kilsallagh
This local brewery is located approximately 20 minutes from Westport and offers tours. However, the tours aren’t too frequent. So if you are interested in taking a look around the brewery, make sure to check first. They even offer a few snacks for you when you’re finished with the 1.5-hour tour. If you aren’t up for the drive out there but are interested in tasting their ten products, you won’t have any hassle in finding them in Westport. After all six of them are named after the town itself. Their range includes Westport Blonde Beer, Westporter Stout, Westport White, Westport Red Tripel, Westport Extra, Westport Saison, Special Reserve, Seven Virtues Larger, Seven Virtues Lambik, and Seven Virtues Carnal Knowledge.

Accommodation
We know when booking accommodation for a large group that it’s hard to please everyone who will have different opinions on price and quality. We’ve come up with some stag do accommodation recommendations that vary in these areas to make choosing where to stay in Westport, a (sea) breeze.

Budget options

Croagh Patrick Hostel
You’re going to get the basics when staying here and not a lot else. However, there is more than meets the eye on offer with this hostel. For one, it is literally at the foot of Croagh Patrick which as described above will beat any fancy hotel swimming pool when getting rid of a hangover. This place is ideal for big groups, has a fully fitted kitchen and a continental breakfast. It’s a top budget-friendly pick.

An File Guesthouse
This option is a really big hit amongst stag partygoers. The location couldn’t be better with it being a few minutes walk from the center of town. It gets even better than that. Breakfast is included and there is a bar on-site that would be perfect for a few before heading out on the town which has already been stressed to be literally outside the guesthouse.

Another budget-friendly option
The Mill Hostel: Self-catering, only open March to October, clean and comfortable
Three Star And Up

The Mill Town Hotel
Not to be confused with The Mill Hostel, The Mill Town Hotel is something on the fancier side. It is a good quality three-star hotel with a great location near the center. It has a good standard restaurant and bar where you can get well fed and watered before a night out. As with all of our recommendations, it is a stag-friendly hotel and will be a comfortable stay.

Westport Woods Hotel
This four-star hotel is conveniently located, however, it will be a short ride in a taxi. This place will be perfect for a group that is looking for something a little special for your stag do. It lives up to its four-star accreditation and includes everything you would expect from a four-star hotel including fine dining, a gym, pool, and spa. A real treat.

Day Activities

We’ve talked about some not to be missed scenic spots, treks, and walks. However, we know it’s your stag and you are looking for way more excitement and craic out of your trip. We’ve come up with our top recommendations for daytime stay party activities you can take full advantage of in Westport.

Paintballing
This is a great value for money activity and will see you and the crew occupied for three hours. Pelt the head off each other or play a game of “shoot the stag” with this proper combat game. It’s a short ride from the town and the price includes 200 paintballs. Don’t worry, more can be bought for a small fee if you run out.

Bubble football
A top pick amongst stag partiers. Probably because it doesn’t take much skill if you’ve kicked a football around a few times and the fact that it’s gas knocking your mates around. It’s a pretty injury-free activity, and it’s only a short spin from the town.

Turf Challenge
This isn’t for your mates who care about getting themselves a bit messed up. Similar to Tough Mudder, this highly intense obstacle course is something completely different to add to your stag adventures. You’re going to be sore after this one, so make sure to have a stiff drink when you’re finished. The activity will last about two-and-a-half hours and we wouldn’t envy giving it a go with a sore head from the night before. Don’t worry too much about your level of fitness as sessions can be matched to your group’s fitness level.

Surf Lesson
This is a bit of a “when in Rome” situation. The west coast of Ireland is the center of attention for an avid surfer. It ain’t easy, that’s for sure. But who knows, maybe you’ll be a natural. You’ll be helped by a top instructor for a two-hour lesson. If you’re feeling a bit ropey, sure go along and lay around on the beach and get that all-important fresh air. This is a great stag party idea as it’s something a little different.

Ringo Ride and Stand Up Paddle Boarding
What do you need to know?

3 hours of fun
Instructor and equipment provided
You’ll be pulled around on a giant donut by a 200 horsepower RIB
Finish with a more relaxing paddleboarding session on the crisp water
High Ropes and Giant Swing
What do you need to know?

3 hours of pure adrenaline
Swing from a trapeze and climb the ladder course
Freefall and fly through the air on a swing

Connemara Pub Tour
Although at first, you might be thinking the price seems high. Don’t go jumping ahead, we haven’t had a chance to explain why this pub tour is for sure worth the money and is a bargain for what you get. Firstly, it’s five hours long with a guide and transport included. You will visit some of the best pubs in the West ( four to be exact) and get a real sense of this part of the country. It would be a great way to spend the day and is a stag do activity that doesn’t demand that you exert yourself in any strenuous exercise.

Food options

Food platter at Cosy Joes
This is a perfect way to get the lads together for a few pints with some grub. You can expect the usual tidbits like wedges, nuggets, and sausages. Meet at one of the top pubs in the area before you head out for the night.

3 Course Meal
A full dinner right in the center of town. Pick a starter, main, and dessert from a varied menu that includes courses like a daily roast, chicken supreme and they have veggie options available.

2 Course Meal at a Hotel
Are you looking for something a little more than just cocktail sausies? You can get your pick from many options for a starter and main or a main and dessert in a four-star hotel. This is sure to get you and the crew full and ready to party. You know it’s important to line the stomach.

Nighttime activities
Ok, you’re fed, watered, and had a full day of either action-packed fun or pint-packed fun. Now you want to get your glad rags on and hit the tiles. We’ve picked two nighttime stag do activity recommendations for you to take the night up a notch.

The Castle Late Night Venue
This is the place to be in the town, once the sun goes down. It is a popular spot for locals and parties. You’ll get VIP treatment if you book with us and do not have to wait in the standard Q. The normal price on the door for this place is €12, so you’d be mad not to book!

Stripogram
Make a show of your stag with a frisky bombshell. A small deposit is due and the rest can be paid directly on the night. Different characters are available including a Grannygram. It has to be done.

Transport
This Mayo town is about 250 km from Dublin which would take you approximately 3.5 hours, from Cork it’s about 3.5 and from Galway only about 1.5. You and the lads might not be keen on driving there. We know we wouldn’t be volunteering to do it. It’s grand, don’t worry. There are other options.

Train
Irish Rail offers a no-change service to Westport from Dublin. This may be the most convenient route. If you are coming from any of the other major cities, you may have up to 3 changes on the train

Bus
We wouldn’t recommend travelling by bus if you are coming a long way as it will take forever! However, Bus Eireann does offer a lot of options, depending on where you are coming from.

Taxi
You will find local reliable taxi drivers in the town. Have a look before you go and save a couple of the numbers to have at hand.

Conclusion
Hopefully, now you have some insight into why Westport is a whopper choice for a stag do. It’s a perfect place for lads who are looking to get out and do some class activities that will make your stag party a little different from the bog standard. We’ve picked our top stag do ideas to help you out with your decision. You know we are caring like that.