Portumna is located at the point where the Shannon broadens out into the larger confines of Lough Derg. Below this point, a traveller has to cross a broad stretch of water, for this reason it has traditionally fulfilled the role of river crossing point. It is known that a ferry had been in operation as early as 1335.

Down through the years, the river and lakes have been a great attraction for anglers from all over the world. The lake's reputation for large pike goes back to 1796 when pike weighing 92 lb was caught by two gentlemen.

The name Portumna itself derives from the Gaelic 'Port Omna' meaning 'the landing place of the oak tree' and down through history, many warring factions landed here after crossing the Shannon. The Norman de Burgos did so in the 13th century and their descendants the Clanricarde Burkes, built Portumna Castle in the 17th century. Although the castle was destroyed by fire in 1826, their final link with Galway was only severed in 1948, with the acquisition of their demesne (now the Forest Park) by the State.

Portumna Forest Park provides another welcome amenity to this important market town, for its many long sign-posted trail's guides you through a marvellous world of common and exotic trees.

Clan Name

Portumna is part of the ancestral home of the Burke in Ireland and forms a stage of the Beara-Breifne Greenway which is based on the historic march of O'Sullivan Beara in 1603.

Heritage House

For info on Portumna Castles click here

Greenways Festival 2003

Portumna is talking part in the Greenways Festival in summer 2003 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the legendary 1603 march of O’Sullivan Beara from the Beara Peninsula to the Breifne area. Click here for info on the events