Harbour Mill

Harbour Mill offers self-catering apartments, but with the convenience of a few more traditional hotel facilities as well. The hotel resides in an 18th-century stone mill that's been erected around an open-air courtyard, and gorgeous Westport Harbour sits just across the street. Interiors are the definition of quaint, with the feel of a cozy lounge. There’s a roaring log fire, traditional hearth rug, original wood flooring, and comfy armchairs against an exposed stone wall. The nautical style reception desk has porthole style windows and other knick-knacks and sculptural pieces in a similarly themed vein -- you'll certainly see a few anchors dotted around the public areas, though it's all subtle and never tacky. The atmosphere is friendly and homey, and the vibe is definitely family-oriented, with an eye toward relaxation. The property is also popular with small groups, couples, and wedding parties.

Located on the quay overlooking Westport Harbour, the property is built essentially on top of several shops and cafes and near plenty of other restaurants and bar. The property is also just across the street from Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park, with its range of leisure activities, gardens, a mini-railway, and boating lake. It is also only a six-minute walk to the Clew Bay Heritage Centre. Directly behind the hotel is a residential area and the immediate surroundings are quiet -- a lot quieter than Westport town itself, although the center of town is only a 10-minute walk away. The town offers fine dining, lively nightlife, and a range of shops. Bertra Beach is an 18-minute drive from the hotel and spectacular Croagh Patrick, a nearby mountain with day hikes, takes about 40 minutes to reach by road. Ireland West Airport Knock is an hour’s drive, and Galway takes about 90 minutes to reach. 

The 65 apartments at Harbour Mill are available as two- or three-bedroom units and have a Courtyard or Harbour views. They are light, bright, and modern, as well as clean, spacious, and well maintained. Each apartment has an open-plan kitchen with a dining and living area. The master bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom, while the additional bedrooms have access to a second bathroom. Pine flooring and furniture throughout gives the apartments the feel of an alpine lodge, and attractive contemporary patterns in the soft furnishings -- like red and black floral patterns or sharp plaids -- bring a welcome dash of color. The decor is fairly simple, but smart, and living areas are done up with homey overstuffed leather furniture in dark blue shades, while kitchens have bright green tile backsplashes. Wall art varies from bright photographs to Impressionist-style prints. All apartments have flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, ovens and electric ranges, microwaves, refrigerators, dishwashers, washer/dryers, irons, ironing boards, and hairdryers. Bed linens and towels are also provided. Bathrooms are spacious and have a shower/tub combo. While vanities are small, most bathrooms have marble shelving above pedestal sinks. Antique-style fixtures in bathrooms are a nice touch. Some rooms look out onto Westport Harbour, but others have views of the interior courtyard that aren't anything to write home about.

Harbour Mill offers a 24-hour reception, an on-site sauna, steam room, and hot tub, as well as free access to Westport Leisure Park, which has a swimming pool and gym. There are plenty of other facilities for guests on-site too including free parking, free Wi-Fi, and an in-house hair and beauty salon. There’s also a drying room and storage for sports equipment, and bikes can be hired from reception. There’s no restaurant or breakfast service, but there is a cozy lounge -- the Captain's Lounge Wine Bar -- which has a range of comfortable sofas and offers a variety of hot and cold drinks. Adjacent to the wine bar is “Kiddies Corner”, a clean and bright playroom with a huge selection of toys, games, and books for young children. It’s ideal for parents to be able to relax with a drink while being able to keep an eye on their little ones.