Location 2011
The regional airports are Ireland West Airport Knock, 60 km (37 ml) away with scheduled flights departing daily to the United Kingdom and Galway Airport, with daily flights to the rest of the nation, France and the United Kingdom. Monday, May 28th 2011, saw the 25th anniversary of the opening of what is now known as Ireland West Airport Knock.
The idea for the airport came from Monsignor James Horan, the local parish priest, who sadly passed away within months of the airport's official opening. Between 1988 and 2002, the airport handled between 100,000 and 200,000 passengers annually.
However, in the following four years, passenger numbers more than trebled to over 620,000 annual passengers, thanks to the growth of low-cost services.
In 2011, the airport expects to have its best ever year with a forecast 640,000 passengers.
Westport is the terminus of a 250 km railway route from the capital, Dublin, which serves the town and surrounding area. This railway also serves the county town, Castlebar, about 18 km east-north-east of Westport.
Ireland rail travel is the fastest way to get around the country, except for flying. For example, the trip from Dublin to Galway takes three hours; Dublin to Killarney takes four hours; Dublin to Waterford takes just under three hours.
Iarnrod Eireann (Irish Rail) operates the rail service and also offers holiday packages called Railbreaks which include trips throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. Translink operates train routes through Northern Ireland.
Several types of train passes are available. The Irish Explorer Rail pass is valid for eight days of Ireland train travel within a fifteen day time period.
Road
Directions from Dublin
Leave Dublin onto the Motorway M4. At the end of the motorway continue forward onto the N4. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the N6 signposted for Galway, entering Kinnegad. Continue forward onto the N4. Go through Edgeworthstown. At the roundabout take the 1st exit onto the R393, signposted for the town centre. Continue forward onto the R393. You are now in Longford. Turn right onto the N5 signposted Dublin / Ballinalee. Continue forward onto New Street - N5 (one-way). Turn right onto the N5, signposted for Westport. Continue forward on the N5 going through the towns of Termonbarry, Frenchpark & Charlestown. Continue forward onto the N5. Arrive at Castlebar. Follow signs to Westport for approx 10 miles.
Directions from Galway
Leaving Galway city and follow the R866 to Headford. You must then bear right onto the N84 signposted for Castlebar. You will pass through the towns of Shrule & Kilmaine. Once you reach the town of Ballinrobe again look for the signs for Castlebar. Once you reach the village of Partry turn Left onto the R330 following the signs to Westport. Continue for 18 miles until you come to Westport Mayo.
Directions from Sligo
Leaving Sligo by the N4 route until the roundabout at Colloney. At the second roundabout take the 2nd exit signposted for Galway & Westport. You will pass throught the towns of Tubbercurry, & Charlestown. At Charlestown turn right onto the N5 signposted for Castlebar & Westport. Continue forward onto the N5. Arrive at Castlebar. Follow signs to Westport for approx 10 miles.
