Mayo has an extensive coastline and some of the best natural beaches in Ireland. 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.

Near Louisburgh there are a host of long sandy beaches, some, like Carrowmore, very popular with surfers. Mulranny has a nice sandy beach and Achill Island is famous for them. If you take the ferry to Clare Island you will find a lovely curving sandy beach right beside the pier where the ferry arrives.