Name: Portumna Castle and Gardens
Rating: 5.0

Portumna Castle and Gardens

Off Confert Avenue, Portumna, County Galway, IE, null

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Portumna Castle and Gardens is a striking early 17th-century castle built by Richard Burke, 4th Earl of Clanricarde. This impressive Jacobean-style building combines medieval and Renaissance architectural features and was once the power base of the de Burgo family. Set beside Lough Derg and the River Shannon, it offers visitors history, scenic views and beautifully restored surroundings.

Visitors can explore the ground floor exhibition that tells the story of the castle and the de Burgo family, while ongoing restoration work continues to preserve the structure after the major fire of 1826. The dramatic approach includes formal gardens and a memorable walled kitchen garden, with stunning views across Lough Derg. The site also offers guided tours, an audio visual show, café, gift shop, picnic area, playground, walking trails and access to nearby Portumna Forest Park.

Admission prices are €5.00 for Adults, €4.00 for Group/Seniors, €3.00 for Child/Students and €13.00 for a Family ticket.

With its grand architecture, scenic lakeside setting and peaceful gardens, Portumna Castle and Gardens makes for a delightful and educational day out. Whether you are exploring the historic interiors or strolling through the landscaped grounds, there is plenty to discover. It is an ideal destination for history lovers, families and anyone visiting County Galway.

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Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Built by the fourth earl of Clanricarde, Portumna Castle was the de Burgo family power base for centuries. The castle is a unique example of the transitional Irish architecture of the early 1600s.
Its bold design combines elements of medieval and Renaissance style that complement each other perfectly. A major fire in 1826 left the castle a roofless shell, but the state began to bring it back from ruin in the 1960s. Restoration work continues to this day.
This great semi-fortified house at Portumna was built around 1618 by Richard Burke – or, de Burgo – 4th Earl of Clanrickard. It is a Jacobean-style building which remained the main seat of the de Burgo clan for over 200 years until it was gutted by fire in 1826.
The dramatic walk up to the building includes charming formal gardens, which create an enchanting sense of the original seventeenth-century setting. The walled kitchen garden is particularly memorable. The castle enjoys a sensational view of Lough Derg.
The ground floor is open to the public and houses an exhibition that brings the story of the castle and the de Burgo family to life. It is right beside the River Shannon and Portumna Forest Park, which makes it a great choice for a delightful day out.