Clew Bay Heritage Centre
Local-history museum on Westport Quay with a scale model of the town, displays on Grace O’Malley, the port, Croagh Patrick and the struggle for independence.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Clew Bay Heritage Centre is a community museum on the Quay in Westport, housed in a 19th-century building. It is run as a charity and presents the history of Westport and the Clew Bay area from the 16th century to the present day.
A scale model of Westport town and quay is used by the museum guides to explain how the town developed. The displays cover Grace O’Malley, known as Granuaile, and the O’Malley clan, who dominated this part of Mayo and were ancestors of the Brownes of Westport House; the port of Westport, one of the main trading ports in the west of Ireland before the railway arrived in the 1870s; Croagh Patrick and its pilgrimage; and Ireland’s struggle for independence, with original objects relating to Major John MacBride and Maud Gonne MacBride and autograph books of prisoners of war.
The centre also runs historical walking tours of Westport, guided tours of sites on the Clew Bay Archaeological Trail, programmes for school groups and a family search service.
Highlights
- Scale model of Westport town and quay
- Grace O’Malley (Granuaile) and the O’Malley clan, with the Browne family tree
- Objects relating to Major John MacBride and Maud Gonne MacBride
- The port of Westport and Croagh Patrick
- Free historical walking tours of Westport in summer
Permanent exhibition
- Westport and Clew Bay museum – A model of Westport and displays on Grace O’Malley, the port of Westport, Croagh Patrick and the struggle for independence.
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Hands-on stations
The centre is listed among family activities in Mayo and offers interactive exhibits where visitors can handle objects; school visits include quizzes and competitions for different age groups.
Getting there & parking
The centre is on the Quay in Westport.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
An online shop is offered on the website.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | School visits begin with a guided tour using the model of Westport, followed by quizzes and a guided walking tour of the town. Groups such as coach tours, societies and retirement groups can arrange a visit, a walking tour of Westport or a tour of the Clew Bay Archaeological Trail by email. |
