Newport
The heritage town of Newport is located at the heart of the Great Western Greenway. The ancestral home of Princess Grace of Monaco, Newport nestles on the shores of Clew Bay, with the Brown Oak River flowing through it. An architecturally impressive railway viaduct crosses the river, and dominates visually along with the local church atop a hill. These physical sights have a sincere charm; something that is matched by the people of Newport.
Top 10 Things to Do in Newport
- Take the Greenway to the Milky Way: stargazing safaris, moonlit hikes & astro-photography workshops – these are just a few of the Dark Sky themed activities on offer in Newport, which is close to Ireland’s only Gold Tier International Dark-Sky Park. So bring your binoculars & warm coat and prepare to be star- struck!
- Get hooked on fishing: cast a fly or drop a lead into the richest waters on the west coast of Ireland. With river, lake and sea at your disposal, you have no excuse not to sample the best fi shing to be found – you might even make the catch of a lifetime!
- More fun on the water… Clew Bay is not just for anglers. During the summer months, you can enjoy Stand-Up Paddling (SUP), kayaking & water zorbing! You can also enjoy a wildlife boat tour around Clew Bay, home to an array of birds & sea life.
- Take a Hike or rent a Bike! Stroll by the magnificent 19th century viaduct or follow the 19th century railway line through the beautiful countryside. For a more challenging hike, try the Western Way or the Bangor Trail. Or cycle the Great Western Greenway – an award-winning 42km route free from traffi c (using pedal or electric bikes)!
- Get back to nature with man’s best friend: Enjoy the experience of watching young sheepdogs be trained by experts - learn what “come by” or “shed them” mean to shepherds! Or enjoy a pony ride from the stables in Carrowbawn to the quiet country lanes around Newport.
- Let the kids run free - Newport is made for families! Fancy a game of football? A large astroturf pitch is available from 10am- 10pm daily beside the school. Enjoy a picnic at the waterside playground area or try the town’s treasure hunt - just pick up a copy at the Newport Tourist Office & follow the clues to find the prize!
- Enjoy Newport’s unique built heritage: Many of the town’s buildings, bridges, castles, churches & ancient forts have unique stories to tell e.g. St. Patrick’s Church (home to the last stained glass window by renowned artist Harry Clarke), Newport House, the 15th century Dominican friary, and Carrighowley Castle.
- Food lovers: As the old Irish Saying goes, “Laughter is brightest where food is best”, so whether you fancy an elegant afternoon tea or a hearty bowl of seafood chowder, you will not be disappointed. And of course a visit to Newport would not be complete without trying a taste of its award-winning black pudding and putóg.
- Keep Dancing! Why not join the locals as they master the steps of the waltz, quickstep and jive, or try céilí and set dancing? Or sit back and enjoy the traditional music sessions that regularly take place throughout the town.
- Talk to a local! You simply can’t beat local knowledge. The local shop-owner, the B&B host – everyone you meet in Newport is part of its fascinating history, and every one of them has a story to tell. So don’t leave Newport without talking to as many people as you can!
For more information, visit the Newport Destination website