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Dublin is a great city, full of activities and sights for a memorable holiday; one could be forgiven for never wanting to leave. However, Ireland has a lot more to offer besides. For those wanting to see some of the outstanding beauty the country has to offer, hiring a car is the perfect way to achieve this. Compare car hire companies, and then head out into the luscious landscape and the beginning of a wonderful adventure.
There are uncountable amounts of interesting and rich destinations one could visit in Ireland. Westport, in county Mayo, has a great atmosphere and friendly people. Overlooking Clew Bay, this tidy town is steeped in history and one is never far from a view of Croagh Patrick. This mountain, standing at over 2000 ft, is home to an annual pilgrimage of people retracing the steps Saint Patrick was thought to have taken in the fifth century. It is said he spent forty days and forty nights fasting upon reaching the top. 'Reek Sunday', the last Sunday in July, brings people flocking in the tens of thousands to climb the mountain. Many purists climb barefooted, believing this will help to reduce purgatorial sentences, but the views from the top over County Mayo and nearby Connemara deserve to be seen regardless of the day, or time of year.
Westport is one of a selection of Irish planned towns. It was designed by the famous English architect James Wyatt, who also created part of the grand Westport House. Built in the 18th century for the Marques of Sligo, the building is one of Ireland's most beautiful country homes. It is open to the public and has received over four million visitors since 1960. Magnificent paintings by renowned artists can be seen adorning the walls of the exquisitely furnished rooms – the Large Dining Room designed by Wyatt is a definite highlight. Swans can be found wandering the grounds and the Pirate Adventure Park offers fun and attractions to children and adults alike.
As well as this, there are several sandy beaches to be found. Many of these retain the prestigious Blue Flag status awarded to the cleanest sections of sand. Further inland there are lakes and rivers to fish, in case the excellent sea fishing is not to your liking.
Food, drink and accommodation are all in plentiful supply in Westport, as are good natured and welcoming residents. Bustling, traditional pubs serving the black stuff line the main street, and impromptu music can arouse at any time, round any corner. Further down towards the quay, one can find some decent accommodation and an additional choice of bars and pubs, each offering tasty meals.
On the drive back to the city, be sure to stop off at any other town that takes your fancy, and expect just as warm a welcome. Famed for their hospitality and warmth, it doesn’t actually matter where you go in Ireland, it’s the people you meet and the adventures that you have along the way that counts.
