Mayo has an extensive coastline and many beautiful sandy beaches 13 of
which have the EU Blue Flag quality award. Two of these Blue Flag beaches
are within easy reach of Westport. The closest is just five miles away,
Bertra Beach, near Croagh Patrick just the far side of Murrisk village.
Bertra has a sandy front beach which is used for swimming and angling,
and a quiet back beach, ideal for making a round trip walk. The two are
separated by protected sand dunes. The walk takes about an hour and is
best done when the tide is not full in.
The second Blue Flag beach is the very pretty Old Head Beach, about 10
miles from Westport. This is a delightful curving sandy beach with a
picturesque stone pier and during the summer months, cruising and fishing
boats at anchor. Croagh Patrick forms an impressive backdrop.
