Portumna, Co. Galway

Portumna (Port Omna in Irish - meaning port of the oak) is a town on the border with County Tipperary in County Galway, at the point where the River Shannon enters Lough Derg. This historic crossing point over the Shannon river between counties Tipperary and Galway has a long history of bridges and ferry crossings.

The town is famous for Portumna Castle which both King James I and Queen Elizabeth I of England visited, and for the lords that lived there. The great semi-fortified house at Portumna was built before 1618 by Richard Burke or de Burgo, 4th Earl of Clanricarde. It was the main seat of the de Burgo family for over 200 years, until it was gutted by fire in 1826. The ground floor of the house is now open to the public. To the north of the house are formal, geometrically laid out gardens. Exhibitions are held in the castle and Gate House. (Conservation works are ongoing.)

Portumna Castle now includes the recently restored 17th century walled kitchen garden. Following its original plan the garden has been organically planted with fruit trees, flowers, herbs and vegetables, all combining to make it a treat to the senses. Portumna Castle is surrounded by the towns' local attractions - Lough Derg and the Forest Park. This wildlife sanctuary of one thousand acres borders the Lough and has a laid out nature trail and many lovely forest walks.

Portumna is a well-known tourist destination for boaters - there is a marina for Shannon pleasure cruisers, golfers and anglers thanks to its natural amenities. As the town is at the junction of the River Shannon and Lough Derg. There is an 18-hole parkland golf course just outside the town.

For angling enthusiasts, Portumna offers good fishing waters. The most commonly caught species include Pike, Perch, Bream, Roach and Hybrids.

Gardens

Birr Castle Demesne - Tullamore County Offaly Ireland - Garden
Birr Castle Demesne
Birr, Co. Offaly
It is possible to do a whistle stop tour of the world in this fascinating demesne surrounding majestic Birr Castle and embraced by the River Camcor. You can globe trot in minutes from Pakistan to New Zealand, and from Mexico to a glade that looks ...

Golf

Nenagh Golf Club - Nenagh County Tipperary Ireland
Nenagh Golf Club
Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
Course Type: Parkland
Blending the old with the new, Nenagh Golf Club’s regulation Par 72 Patrick Merrigan designed layout offers a wonderful array of golfing holes over 6,009 metres - ten Par 4’s, four Par 5’s and four superb Par 3’s, each wit ...

Self Catering

Selfcatering
The Stone Cottage
Portumna, Co. Galway
4 * Rating by Irish Tourist Board Situated in a rural location just five miles from the bustling town of Portumna, this delightful property has been rebuilt using the original stone from an old cottage and its outbuildings. The result is a fab ...

What's On

Birr - The Full Moon Market - Co Offaly - every 3rd Sunday
The Full Moon Market - Every 3rd Sunday

The Chestnut Courtyard, Birr, Co Offaly

Tourist Attractions

Clonmacnoise - Shannonbridge County Offaly Ireland
Clonmacnoise
Shannonbridge, Co. Offaly
Clonmacnoise is an Early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. The strategic location of the monastery helped it become a major centre of religion, learning, craftsmanship and ...

Wedding Venues

Ashley Park House - Nenagh County Tipperary Ireland
Ashley Park House
Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
From the minute you turn off the busy Nenagh/Borrisokane road towards Ashley Park, you will find yourself in a time warp. Margaret and P J Mounsey’s home is one of those beautiful 18th century houses where all is elegance and comfort - this ...
  • By Distance
  • By Category

There are currently no comments

Leave a comment

You must be logged in to leave a comment
Not a member? Register for your free membership now!
Or leave a comment by logging in with: