Self Catering Accommodation Guide to Portumna, Co. Galway, Ireland
About Portumna
Portumna is located in County Galway which is in the province of Connaught. Portumna town is only an hour's drive from Galway City and Galway Airport and an hour and a half from Shannon International Airport
Portumna is very well known from its beautiful forest and lakeside walks to taking boats up the River Shannon.
Walking in Portumna
Portumna Forest Park
Portumna Forest Park is located beside Portumna town and there are many beautiful walking paths including a forest road, a long walk and a nature trail. There are also observation points and a viewing tower where one can get a bird's eye view of the forest, lake and lakeshore. Portumna got its name from the Irish word Port Omna which means the landing place of the oak tree. The forest park covers nearly 1,500 acres.
The park is easily accessible by water and road. In addition to woodlands, there are wide open spaces, green fields, scrub, marsh, water and numerous off-shore islands. This variety of forest, open area, water and islands gives a wide choice of habitat to support a great variety of flora and fauna. There are many trees in the park and these include Scots pine, larch and Norway spruce.
Portumna Yew Walk
The Yew Walk is a short stroll from the Adams Gates of Portumna Castle to the rear wall of the Church of Ireland. It is located between the Church of Ireland, Shannon Oaks Hotel and the Castle and was historically the link from the town to the Castle.
Animals in Portumna Forest Park
There are sixteen species of wild mammals within the Forest Park, of which the smallest is the pigmy shrew. The largest and most conspicuous is the Fallow Deer of which there is a large herd within the forest. Less easily seen is the otter and probably the most mysterious mammal of all is the pine marten (known locally as 'the cat'), a native tree-dweller which, until recently, was on the verge of extinction. You also may chance meeting the red squirrel, stoat, badger and fox. There are about 85 different types of bird life which breed in the forest park, while many others pass through. The mute swan may be seen on the lake while the tiny goldcrest is a lasting dweller of the forest. The lake and the shore are official sanctuaries and here wildfowl in the thousands can be viewed from some of the observation points within the forest.
Places to visit within driving distance of Portumna
Pet Farm
Turoe Pet Farm is family-run and is located near the village of Bullaun which is about 4km from Loughrea.
Sailing School
Shannon Sailing in Dromineer, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary +353 (0)67 24499
Go-Karting
Pallas karting in Loughrea is only half an hours drive from Portumna town.
Horse Riding
Slieve Aughty riding centre is located only 20 minutes from Portumna
Cinemas near Portumna
The nearest cinema to Portumna is in Nenagh, a mere 30 minutes drive: Nenagh Cineplex
Restaurants in Portumna
There is a wide variety of restaurants in Portumna - below is a list of a few:
- Beehive +353 (0)909-741830
- Golden City +353 (0)909-759917
- Oriental City +353 (0)909-759917
- Stolen Sleepers +353 (0)909-747139
Other close towns and villages near Portumna:
- Nenagh 18 miles
- Limerick City 42 miles
- Loughrea 19 miles
- Ballinasloe 18 miles
- Birr 14 miles
History of Portumna
Portumna is steeped in Irish History... be sure to check out some of the following attractions!
Portumna Abbey and Portumna Castle & Gardens
There are ruins of an old abbey in the forest park which are from a thirteenth century Cistercian abbey and the abbey is located beside Portumna castle. It is located in a most natural scenic setting overlooking Lough Derg and also Portumna Forest Park, which was once part of the demesne. The front rose garden and elaborate entrance gate are added attractions. The castle was the seat of the Clanricarde Burkes - the most important landowners in County Galway. It was completed in 1617 by Richard Burke, the 4th Earl of Clanricarde, but was destroyed by fire in 1826. The Priory contains the tomb of the Earl of Clanricarde and his wife.
The Office of Public Works has been involved in its restoration. The castle is a large building, rectangular in shape, with four square towers at the corners. It was one of the first buildings in Ireland with Renaissance features and is also noted for the Jacobean-type gables on its roof. The ground floor of the house is now open to the public.
Portumna Workhouse
Another place to go and visit is the Portumna Workhouse which was opened in 1852.
Derryhivenny Castle
Derryhivenny Castle is located in Portumna and was built in 1669 and was the scene of many battles.
