Attractions
Derryhivenny Castle
This fortress was built by Donal O'Madden in 1643 and situated at Ballycrossaum, north of Portumna. It has withstood many battles which took place in the area down through history. Visitors can explore what remains of this once majestic structure. The mullioned windows, the spy-hole, the fireplace, the hinge stone or the hanging eye and the chimneypots can still be seen today.
Portumna Castle
The castle was built before 1618 by Richard de Burgo (Burke), the 4th Earl of Clanricarde, and a member of the Anglo-Norman de Burgo (Burke) family. Located close to the town centre and near the north shore of Lough Derg, the partially-fortified castle is Jacobean in design. The immense structure is built in a rectangular block with a tower on each corner. Firing holes for those who may have defended the castle can still be seen in each of the towers. It was the Irish home to the de Burgo family for over 200 years, until it was destroyed by fire in 1826.
Portumna Workhouse
Portumna was one of the new Poor Law Unions created in Ireland between 1848 and 1850. The Workhouse opened in 1852 and was one of 33 opened after the Famine. As such, life there was not as harsh as in the 130 earlier workhouses opened before and during the Famine.
Portumna Yew Walk
The Yew Walk in Portumna is a short distance from the Adams Gates of Portumna Castle to the rear wall of the Church of Ireland.
Forest Park
The lake fringed Forest Park and Wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of species of birds and deer. It is an excellent setting for relaxing walks, scenic picnics and scenic nature trails.
Portumna Abbey
The ruins of the abbey in Portumna Forest Park are from a thirteenth century Cistercian abbey. The abbey was handed over to the Dominicans during the fifteenth century and was converted for Protestant worship three hundred years later.
Water Sports
Portumna, being on the tip of the Shannon's largest lake, boasts a variety of activities for the water enthusiast. These include jet skiing, sailing, wind-surfing, boating, and swimming, power-boat racing and cruising.
Golf
Portumna Golf Club ; Ennis Road, Portumna, County Galway.
Tel: +353 (0)90 9741059
Email: info@portumnagolfclub.ie
Portumna golf course is a challenging 18-hole parkland course.
There are excellent facilities available to both members and visitors.
Oldthort Golf Course, Oldthort, Portumna, County Galway.
Tel: +353 (0)90 9741123
Email: info@oldthortgolfandaccommodation.com
Nine hole golf course and 18 hole pitch & putt - Ideal for those who want a quiet game at a reasonable price!
Walking
The Yew Walk in Portumna is close to the Adams Gates of Portumna Castle to the rear wall of the Church of Ireland. It is about 300 years old but fell into disuse after a fire in the Castle in 1826. Many efforts had been made to restore it over the years and it was finally reopened in 2004. There is a network of walks in the Forest Park to suit every taste including a special needs walk which opened in 2006. A map showing all of the walks is available on request.
