logo-mini

Are you sure you want to leave the feed?

Leave

Oops... something went wrong!

My Ireland

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

  • #Landscapes
  • #CultureandHeritage
  • #OutdoorActivities
  • #Landmarks
MyICallOut_FindTheThings_EN_Desk_Above-Left MyICallOut_FindTheThings_EN_Desk_Above-Left

Oops... no internet connection

While offline, you can still add items to My board. New travel reccomendations will only show up once you’re back online.

    See what Ireland has in store for you

    Oops... no internet connection

    While offline, you can still add items to My board. New travel reccomendations will only show up once you’re back online.

    My board

    Tell me more

    Items without a physical location are not shown in map view.

    Looks like your board is empty

    Look out for the little heart icon around Ireland.com. Simply tap the heart to add items to your board!

    Emptyboard Emptyboard

    Board settings

    Collection cover image

    Visible to people you share your board with

    No image

    my-ireland-butterfly-killarney-national-park-county-kerry my-ireland-butterfly-killarney-national-park-county-kerry
    my-ireland-orange-flowers-achill-county-mayo my-ireland-orange-flowers-achill-county-mayo
    my-ireland-owl-doneraile-court-and-wildlife-park-county-cork my-ireland-owl-doneraile-court-and-wildlife-park-county-cork
    my-ireland-red-bridge-japanese-gardens-county-kildare my-ireland-red-bridge-japanese-gardens-county-kildare
    my-ireland-board-fastnet-lighthouse-county-cork-1 my-ireland-board-fastnet-lighthouse-county-cork-1
    my-ireland-cottage-blasket-islands-county-kerry my-ireland-cottage-blasket-islands-county-kerry
    my-ireland-horses-wild-atlantic-way-3 my-ireland-horses-wild-atlantic-way-3
    my-ireland-yellow-flowers-lake-portumna-county-galway my-ireland-yellow-flowers-lake-portumna-county-galway
    Portumna Castle - Header Portumna Castle - Header

    Portumna Castle and Gardens

    Explore a 17th-century wonder that mixes the best of medieval and Renaissance style!
    • #HousesandCastles
    • #Landmarks
    • #GuidedTours
    County Galway
    Historic landmarks
    1 hour and 15 mins from Shannon Airport
    star-wars-last-jedi-malin-head-county-donegal star-wars-last-jedi-malin-head-county-donegal

    A pretty-as-a-postcard hidden gem idyllically nestled between Portumna Forest Park and the glistening waters of Lough Derg.

    Elegant. Historic. Tranquil. These are just a few of the words we’d use to describe Portumna Castle and Gardens in east County Galway. The demesne was the brainchild of Richard Burke, the fourth earl of Clanricarde, and as you’d expect from someone with such a delightful title it’s simply splendid all-round. Three gateways along a pretty tree-lined avenue guide you towards the main attraction – the castle. Built in the early 1600s, the castle (which is more of a semi-fortified mansion house) fuses medieval and Renaissance features, and boasts an impressive façade. Fronted by a long, elegant avenue and surrounded by delightful formal gardens where roses have bloomed for more than 400 years, this interesting spot is not only a fascinating historic attraction, it’s a beautiful one, too.

    Once the castle and gardens are ticked off the list, save some time for the beautiful grounds and surrounds. A short walk from the castle you’ll find the ruins of Portumna Abbey, a medieval Cistercian Priory. Venture a little further and you’re into Portumna Forest Park, with its excellent selection of walking and cycling trails. Feeling hardy? Make a splash at the Portumna Swimming Area at Lough Derg. The lake is also a favourite sunset spot in the area. It’s no wonder the powerful Burke clan made their home here for hundreds of years – what a location!

    Portumna Castle - Body Portumna Castle - Body

    Portumna Castle and Gardens, County Galway

    Need to know

    1

    Portumna Castle and Gardens are open from 15 March – 3 November each year.

    2

    Admission tickets include a guided tour of the castle and grounds which lasts around one hour.

    3

    There is a car park, picnic area, playground and toilets available at the castle, as well as a lovely tea room, with outdoor seating.

    Things to see and do nearby

    Attraction

    Bathing Place at Portumna

    Visit website

    Galway

    View details

    Attraction

    Redwood Castle

    Visit website

    Tipperary

    View details

    Attraction

    Nenagh Castle

    Visit website

    Tipperary

    View details

    Attraction

    Nenagh Walking Tours

    Visit website

    Tipperary

    View details

    Attraction

    Birr Castle Gardens

    Visit website

    Birr

    View details

    Attraction

    Birr Equestrian Centre

    Visit website

    Offaly

    View details

    Attraction

    Loughrea Lake

    Visit website

    Galway

    View details

    Attraction

    Lough Derg Blueway

    Visit website

    Clare

    View details

    Attraction

    Lough Derg Watersports

    Visit website

    Tipperary

    View details

    Attraction

    Pallas Karting & Adventure Centre

    Visit website

    Galway

    View details

    Attraction

    Paddy's Bar & Restaurant

    Visit website

    Tipperary

    View details

    Attraction

    Ballinasloe Golf Club

    Visit website

    Galway

    View details