The Lodges in Portumna will be unavailable until summer 2012

Spring, summer, autumn or winter you will have the opportunity to relax in the heart of the woods while staying in a luxury lodge.  The Lodges were the first of their kind and as soon as you arrive you will notice how they blend into the woods and sit in complete harmony with their surroundings, which include the 1,500 acre Earl of Clanricarde estate.

Each lodge offers the following facilities:

• A  large open plan living/dining room with natural light, opening onto a private wooden deck outside.   The Lodges have a gas fire.
• Each lodge comprises five bedrooms and can accommodate up to 10 people: Downstairs 1 x double bedroom & 1 x twin bedroom which share a toilet & shower. Upstairs 1 x master double ensuite, 1 x twin & 1 x double(with small double 4ft bed) and main bathroom.
• The fully equipped kitchen features oven/hob, microwave, fridge, dishwasher and all the necessary kitchen utensils and crockery.
• Washer/dryer, hairdryers, storage room, Cable TV, bed linen and towels are also included.
• Please note that although there is ample sleeping capacity for 10 people, the dining room and sitting room have been fitted out with enough furniture and supplies to accommodate up to 6 people.

Heating & electricity are an additional charge, payable onsite on your departure.

ENJOY THE OUTDOORS LOCALLY:

Located close to the River Shannon's Lough Derg and adjoining the magnificent Portumna Forest Park, the Lodges in Portumna offers a beautiful location with a host of natural amenities:

• Portumna Forest Park: Woodland walks, nature trails, picnic facilities and stunning vistas are on offer in the adjoining 1500 acre forest park. Home to the Fallow Deer and rich in flora and fauna.
• Lough Derg: the largest lake on the River Shannon, covering 32,000 acres, offers a variety of activities including waterskiing, wakeboarding, and river cruises from Banagher and Killaloe. It is also an angler's delight, abundant in a variety of species. Bait and equipment hire are all available locally. Portumna is located on the northern shores of Lough Derg, offering the perfect location for exploring the shores and environs.
• Flowerhill Equestrian Centre: offers cross country and pony trekking in a relaxed atmosphere, based on 250 acres of beautiful east Galway countryside, surrounded by the best cross country riding land - green fields, woods and majestic rivers. Hourly and daily packages are available - with special rates for guests of The Lodges at Shannon Oaks Hotel.
• Slieve Aughty Riding Centre: is an AIRE approved equestrian centre and offers lessons, workshops and trekking. Suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, all tours are guided and the tranquility of the forest paths make it a great way to pass a couple of hours. Young children are specially catered for.  A short walk on a guided pony - with an experienced staff member holding the reins - makes it safe, educational and fun. Special group packages are available.

KARTING IN NEARBY LOUGHREA:

Take a spin to Pallas Karting. Here you can be in the driving seat, jostling for pole position in one of the fastest and most exhilarating sports in Ireland today on Europe's largest Karting Centre.

At Pallas Karting you can experience the thrill of real motor racing first hand .. Whatever the weather, Pallas Karting has the green light for an action packed non-stop race programme for everyone.
www.pallaskarting.com

KIDS ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA:

There's something for kids of all ages with a broad selection of family-friendly attractions available locally, many at specially discounted rates.

• Turoe Pet Farm :offers the fun-fulled day out for everyone. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the park with the opportunity to feed the animals along the trail or go indoors to experience the excitement of bouncing your way around the 'Inflatable City' - one of Europe's largest bouncy castles (pictured above). Turoe is wheelchair friendly and offers guided tours, indoor picnic areas and homemade food at the restaurant. Special family rates available
• The Wren's Nest Ponies: Children will enjoy spending time and riding these placid animals. You can visit their stables or visit them on the grounds of the Shannon Oaks during the summer. Contact 090 967 6211 or e-mail them at thewrensnestponies@eircom.net
• Dartfield Horse Museum & Heritage Centre is the only museum in the world dedicated to Irish horses and Connemara ponies. The historic museum features all aspects of country life from 1800 and will educate, stimulate and facinate children of all ages. The centre offers something all year round:  bottlefeed the lambs in the spring and enjoy the pony camp in the summer. Extensive facilities include a gift and saddlery shop, a cafe and a newly-opened off road track.  

GALWAYS HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS:

Portumna (Port Omna in Irish - meaning port of the oak), where the River Shannon enters Lough Derg. The town is served by Portumna Bridge, the largest 20th Century swivel bridge in Europe. Completed in 1911, this is an historic crossing point between counties Galway and Tipperary.

• Portumna Castle was built before 1618 by the 4th Earl of Clanricarde and was the main seat of the de Burgo family for over 200 years before being gutted by fire in 1826. Today, the ground floor of the great semi-fortified house is open to the public. The recently restored 17th Century walled kitchen garden features an abundance of organically planted fruit trees, herbs and vegetables. The formal geometrically laid out gardens are splendid. The castle is a mere stroll from the hotel in Galway and special group discounts and guided tours are available. 
• Dominican Friary: Standing close to the castle is a ruined medieval priory, once dominated by a tower now half its height. To the north of the church is an attractive cloister, partially restored in 1954. The friary was dissolved at the reformation and later came into the possession of the Earl of Clonrickarde, original owner of Portumna Castle.
• Galway East Ecclesiastical Trails: The trail is made up of two seperate driving routes and take in 21 of the regions oldest and best preserved religious sites. Maps are available to download from Galway East Tourism's website while further information and audio guides are available at local Tourist Information Centres. 

WATER BASED ACTIVITIES:

With it's ideal central location, the Lodges offer the perfect base for a broad selection of activities on Lough Derg - the River Shannon's largest lake.

• Watermark Ski Club based between Portumna & Terryglass offer competitive individual and group rates for wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakesurfing, wakeskating and bodyboarding. Avail of expert instruction from national champion skiiers. Suitable for all levels and popular with all age groups.
• Seoltoiri Sailing School offers lessons in dinghy, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing and caters for everyone from 7 to 70.
• The Spirit of Killaloe and The Spirit of Lough Derg offer the perfect way to pass a few hours and experience breathtaking views across the Lough. Catering for large and small groups respectively, custom made and group departures are specially catered for. The larger boat pictured above can accommodate up to 50 people and features full bar facilities and a detailed commentary of points of interest as you cruise by.
• Silverline Cruisers based in nearby Banagher operate the River Queen -A leisurely cruise along the famous Shannon navagational channels used by barges in years gone by gives you the opportunity to view monastic site at Clonmacnoise and sails from Shannonbridge every Sunday in July/August.

GOLFING IN GALWAY:

Like a round of Golf? Then you'll love coming to Portumna. With a selection of six parkland courses nearby, the Lodges offers the perfect place to base yourself for some quality time on the greens. 

• Portumna Golf Club Established in 1913, this splendid parkland course is minutes from the hotel and boasts a picturesque setting and a challenging 18 holes. One of the finest parkland courses in the country.
• Birr Golf Club Located approximately 30 minutes from Portumna, and originally part of the Earl of Rosse estate, Birr Golf Club offers excellent value green fees and a superb golf shop and driving range.
• Ballinasloe Golf Club Another beautifully mature parkland course. It’s conveniently location - close to the new M6 motorway – and only 25 minutes from Portumna – makes it a great choice at the start or finish of any golfing break.
• Loughrea Golf Club A rolling parkland course, extended to 18 holes in 1992, Loughrea boasts a generous fairway layout with strategic tree plantations and fast greens. Approximately 20 minutes from Portumna.
• Nenagh Golf Club This fine North Tipperary club features superbly designed holes, scenic water hazards, and spectacular views across Lough Derg. Great for golf all year round.
• East Clare Golf Club Located in Bodyke, East Clare, this championship course was designed by noted golf architect Dr. Arthur Spring. This par 71 course features numerous lakes and majestic views of the countryside. 

LOCAL EVENTS:

A number of nationally and internationally renowned festivals and events are held in the locality

• The Terryglass Arts Festival is a nationally renowned five day festival, hosted in the beautiful lakeside village every August. Last year's festival featured everything from childrens' art competitions, breadmaking, writers' workshops and comedy shows.  The picturesque village is approximately 15 minutes from Portumna and boasts traditional bars and restaurants and stunning views across Lough Derg.
• The Irish Game & Country Fair takes place from 27-28th August 2011 in the historic grounds of Birr Castle, 25 minutes from Portumna. The fair features various competitions for the enthusiast along with a wide variety of attractions including exhibition stands, traditional food, vintage cars and machinery and even a Medieval Village.
• Ballinasloe Horse Fair : Europe's oldest horse fair takes place every October in nearby Ballinasloe.

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST:

Other popular attractions in the area include:

• Birr Castle & Gardens: Only 25 minutes from Portumna, the castle features arguably the greatest gardens in Ireland, the Science Centre, showcasing the years when the castle was the centre of scientific discovery, and the world famous Telescope, dating from the early 1840s and designed by the Earl of Rosse
• Clonmacnoise: Travel further up the river and you will find this world famous mid 6th Century Christian site. Located on the eastern banks of the Shannon, you can view two round towers, seven churches, three high crosses and a cathedral. The long and varied history of Clonmacnoise is recounted in the visitor centre.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE LODGES

FROM DUBLIN
Take the N7/M7 Naas, Limerick road from Dublin. Proceed on N7 bypassing Naas and join M7 bypassing Newbridge, Portlaoise, rejoining N7 at Mountrath. Proceed on N7 through Borris-in-Ossory entering Roscrea. Take N62 from Roscrea towards Birr. From Birr, follow R489 signposted Portumna.  Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

FROM LIMERICK
Take the N7 Dublin Road from Limerick. At Nenagh follow the signs for Birr and then Portumna N52 through to Borrisokane. Take the N65 signposted Portumna. Approximately 1.5 hours.

FROM BELFAST
Take the M1 in the direction of Dublin onto the A1 to Newry. Then take the N1 signposted Castleblaney, Dundalk and the N52 towards Mullingar. Follow the signs for Tullamore and on to Birr. From here take the N62 in the direction of Roscrea. Turn right onto the N52 again in the direction of Nenagh through to Riverstown where you branch right onto the R489 (signposted Portumna). Take the N65 to Portumna. Approximately 4 hours.

GPS/Sat Nav co-ordinates;

Position: 0.3KM WSW of Portumna - N5305.45, W00813.45

The Lodges will be unavailable until summer 2012

www.dreamireland.com - official website of The Lodges in Portumna