Westport

This clock tower is probably a reference point in Westport. It's a planned town so streets are regular.

Breakfast at the B&B was self-serve continental, but perfectly adequate. The caretaker, Sue, was a lively character. I had exchanged messages with the owners via the accommodation app, so they were somewhere else.

After I parked my car and had just finished inserting a Euro into the parking meter, an inspector ran up to tell me one hour was free. I knew that but I thought it was a bonus to one paid hour. Anyway your council needs the money, I said. He chuckled. In the event I stayed over one hour.

This is another planned feature, the walls around Carrowbeg River running through town. It put me in mind of canals in Belgium.

Rewinding to the previous evening, as mentioned, the B&B was a couple of km outside of town on the quay. It's not this upmarket hotel, but around the corner, and fortunately where free parking began.

Near where the road curves in this photo. There was a pizza truck in a lot opposite, but according to the web, it wasn't operating on Wednesdays, only on weekends. Hence my dinner in town.

The hotel faced a little pond and beyond, the bay.

But back to the town centre in the morning, this is Bridge Street, where I had parked. The clock town is behind me. You'll notice it's been raining a little.

Another landmark in Westport, the Octagon.

The river again.

I liked the reflections.

The colourful newsagency.

And the pub The West Bar opposite it. Both are at the bottom of Bridge Street.

I had read somewhere that Westport was a town with many retirees. This business seems to support this observation. It was a neat town and there seemed to be more elderly people around, but maybe it was confirmation bias.

Colourful pub.

I liked the paint job and decorations on this bike, even if it's non-functional.

The same landmarks started to repeat in my wanderings so that was a sign I had exhausted the sights. But before leaving, I had a coffee and slice of apple pie at a cafe. The pie wasn't memorable. In general, I found Irish pastries not outstanding, unless it's an upmarket place with continental influence.