Portumna, Co. Galway

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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.