Dergie Says Welcome
Hi, my name's Dergie and i'm here to help you have a super holiday on Lough Derg, in Ireland's Shannon Region. This section has a listing of all of the wonderful harbours and villages around Lough Derg.
For each village or location you will find information, ideas & recommendations. Keep an eye out for them.
Regards, Dergie
Mapping
Welcome to the Lough Derg Map Section. This map section will provide you with detailed tourism information relevent to your location. Please click on the map for specific mapping data and tourism information. Thank You
Portumna
The visitor will find much to do and see in Portumna, County Galway, a Georgian town set on the idyllic banks of the River Shannon, at the head of Lough Derg.
One of the main centres for hire cruisers and watersports on the lake, the town also offers an ideal base from which to engage in land-based activities. Excellent facilities for walking, cycling, golf, go-karting and equestrian sports are available locally. Good accommodation catering for a wide range of interests and budgets is also on offer.
Noted for its wooded landscape (the town’s name comes from the Irish “Port Omna” , meaning “the landing place of the Oak Tree”), Portumna also boasts of an impressive 607 hectare (1,500 acre) Forest Park. This Park has been developed as a public amenity, with first-class wheelchair and buggy-friendly walkway and viewing platform, as well as various forest walks.
Next to the Forest Park is Portumna Castle and Gardens, another attraction well worth visiting. This semi-fortified house was built in 1618 by the 4th Earl of Clanricarde, Richard de Burgo, and the grounds and ground floor of the castle are open to the public. Watch out for a recently restored 17th century walled kitchen garden.
Other ruins nearby that recall the area’s rich historical heritage include the mediaeval Portumna Dominican Friary and Derryhivenny Castle. Some aspects of the Friary are partly restored.
Visitors might also like to drop into the Country Market held in the town every Friday where locally grown foods and other produce are featured.
Download our festival guide taking place 2nd - 4th July 2010
Portumna's Great Outdoors Festival Inside cover
Portumna's Great Outdoors Festival Outside cover
