Local attractions in Portumna

Portumna is an ideallic town situated on the shores of the river Shannon where it flows into Lough Derg, the river's largest lake. The name Portumna comes from the Irish Port Omna which means Port of the Oak. Portumna has many unique and interesting tourist attractions including

Portumna Castle and Gardens

The town is famous for its Castle which was built by Richard De Burgo in the year 1226. The castle was badly damaged by fire in 1826 but is now undergoing refurbishment and the complete ground floor is open to the public. The surrounding 17th century walled garden has also been restored to its former glory

Portumna Bridge

Portumna is currently served with a five-span road bridge over the river. This was designed by C. E. Stanier of London, and completed in 1911, with a central section resting on Hayes's Island which divides the river into two channels. The steel structure of the main bridge and pivotting swing bridge over the navigation channel are of technical and engineering interest, and it is the largest early-twentieth century swivel bridge in Europe

Portumna Forest Park

Portumna forest park was acquired in 1948 and cover almost 1500 acres. The forest is mainly coniferous but also contains many other species of trees and also has many areas of open space scrub and marsh. This diversity supports many different forms of wildlife including fallow deer, otter and pine martin. There are 85 different breeds of bird also living here.

Portumna Workhouse

Portumna Workhouse open in 1852 and was one of 33 opened after the Famine.

Portumna Priory

Portumna Priory was a Cistercian chapel attached to the monastery of Dunbrody, Co Wexford. It was built c 1254 but was taken over by the Dominicans c 1426 when a papal indulgence was granted for its completion. The Priory contains the tomb of the Earl of Clanricarde and his wife - but no details are available. The ruins are now a national monument, and are in very good condition indeed. It is situated beside Portumna Castle.

Marine and River

Along with many historical points of interest Portumna is also a popular destination for anyone interested in boating, fishing and golfing. As the town is at the junction of the river Shannon and Lough Derg, there are a number of harbours, two of which are on the Portumna side of the river. These are Connacht Harbour, which is on Bridge Road, on the eastern side of the town, and New Harbour which is on Castle Avenue. Pleasure craft can be hired locally at Connacht Harbour.

Pallas Karting

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.