The Clew Bay Hotel

Pawel, Candee, and Brian

Darren Madden and fan

Conor and Maria Madden. Niamh is on her way back from the James Taylor concert in Dublin

Westport is just plain a cool town.  Whether you're looking for absolutely breathtaking scenery, excellent local food (especially seafood, lamb, and Irish beef), great authentic pubs, or an excellent variety of traditional Irish and other kinds of music, Westport is a great base of operations.  The area around the town is now served by a "greenway" - a walking/biking/jogging path that runs for perhaps 50 - 60 kilometers through the beautiful countryside of West Mayo.  It is mostly level and does not present an inordinate physical challenge.  The greenway is built on top of the old railway line that ran through the countryside.  It's been a stroke of genius and has led to increased tourism - ecology and adventure tourists have flocked to the area to take advantage of this new amenity.  Bike hire (rental) firms have sprung up to service the new tourists and have come up with some clever ideas.  For instance, ride as far as you want, then call them.  They'll come immediately to pick you and the bike up and bring you back to home base.  Explore as far as you want; no need to worry about the trip back.  Especially, if as far as you want to ride is to one of the quaint pubs in neighboring Newport, Mulranney, or Achill.  You get the idea.

You've read about the music we've enjoyed here, and indeed, Westport has music festivals throughout the year.  This week we went to Matt Molloy's pub.  He's the flute player from the legendary Irish band, The Chieftains.  He was in the house the other night, but unfortunately didn't sit in on the session going on.  I am told that he often does join the group of outstanding musicians that happen by to play in the pickup sessions that seem to happen every night.  You better be good if you pull your instrument out at Matt Molloy's.

And when you come to Westport, you're going to want to stay at the Clew Bay Hotel.  I've spoken of Darren and Maria Madden in a post a week or so ago, but it's really the entire team who made our stay such an outstanding experience.  From Mary at the front desk (who always hounded me to learn to speak some Irish), Natasha and Orla also at the front desk, Brian and some of the other fellas at the bar, Karen who welcomed us back this year like we were long lost family, and especially Pawel who couldn't be more thoughtful and kind.  What a great group of people!  And, of course, led by the example of Darren and Maria - terrific hoteliers and great warm welcoming people in the fine tradition of outstanding Irish hospitality.  We are sad and are so reluctantly leaving this place that has been like a second home.  We hope to return once again next year and spend time with these terrific people.

P.S. Do yourself a favor and visit Pawel's website (http://www.shutterstills.com/index.html), his photographs are gorgeous works of art.