Must See Sights and Landmarks in Portumna Area

"One of the top family attractions in Galway is Portumna Castle and gardens. Built in the early 17th century, this castle is a semi-fortified house located in the town of the same name. Located close to the shores of Lough Derg, it was built in the Renaissance style and the grounds have walled gardens, gate lodges and is right beside the River Shannon and Portumna Forest Park, making it an ideal family day out location in County Galway."

"The castle of Portumna is a beautiful example of a Renassiance-style semi-fortified house. Built in the early 17th century, it was the first of its kind in the British Isles and was considered unrivaled in Ireland for its size and grandeur. Formal enclosed gardens, courtyards and small houses on the property, which sits on the shores of Lough Derg, just add to the beauty of the place."

"Built in the 13th century, Athenry Castle is in the centre of Athenry and is open daily for guided tours from April to October. The existing castle complex has plenty to see including a curtain wall with two round lookout towers and a three-storey keep housing the Great Hall. Built in 1253 by Meiler de Bermingham it has been the site of many battles, particularly between the Normans and the King of Connaught."

"On the west bank of the Clarin River, Athenry is a Heritage Town, boasting not just a castle but the original medieval walls of the town. It was originally a 13th-century Norman castle, complete with arrow loops and other battlements."

"In an idyllic setting by a stream, this 16th-century Norman tower was the summer home of WB Yeats from 1921 to 1929 and was the inspiration for one of his best-known works, The Tower. It adjoins a whitewashed cottage with forest-green trim, which contains an exhibition on Yeats' life and work. From Gort, it's 7.2km northeast off the N66."

"While Ireland’s weather is famously cool, it isn’t the temperature that will give you chills when visiting Clonmacnoise. Rather, it’s the 1,500 years of monastic history that’s powerfully felt in these ruins—where temples, cathedrals, home sites, and graveyards have withstood the elements for centuries. Originally founded in the 6th century, this stone village along the River Shannon prospered for a time as Christian monastery in Ireland’s central plains."

"One of the top family attractions in Galway is Portumna Castle and gardens. Built in the early 17th century, this castle is a semi-fortified house located in the town of the same name. Located close to the shores of Lough Derg, it was built in the Renaissance style and the grounds have walled gardens, gate lodges and is right beside the River Shannon and Portumna Forest Park, making it an ideal family day out location in County Galway."

"The castle of Portumna is a beautiful example of a Renassiance-style semi-fortified house. Built in the early 17th century, it was the first of its kind in the British Isles and was considered unrivaled in Ireland for its size and grandeur. Formal enclosed gardens, courtyards and small houses on the property, which sits on the shores of Lough Derg, just add to the beauty of the place."

"While Ireland’s weather is famously cool, it isn’t the temperature that will give you chills when visiting Clonmacnoise. Rather, it’s the 1,500 years of monastic history that’s powerfully felt in these ruins—where temples, cathedrals, home sites, and graveyards have withstood the elements for centuries. Originally founded in the 6th century, this stone village along the River Shannon prospered for a time as Christian monastery in Ireland’s central plains."

"If you're lucky enough to be within the 2km of Chef's Café in Craughwell, you're in for a real treat!. The café is back open every day, offering a wide selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner options for collection and delivery. Whether it's a mighty full Irish or a hearty Sunday roast, Chef's Café is your only spot!"

"Treating yourself to a beautifully balanced espresso with subtle notes of cocoa and to a warm croissant that ooze thick hazelnut chocolate from the award winning bakery at The Old Barracks is a delightful way to perk up any dreary day. With a vast selection of freshly baked sweet treats to choose from and a delicious array of heavenly coffees and traditional teas, you can cheer up all weekday woes with their takeaway goodies. Cross St, Gorteenacra, Athenry, Galway // more here"

"Providing the people of Athenry with Heat at Home pancake boxes, The Old Barracks know how to mark an occasion. Each box has four pancakes - ideal for sharing between two, or completely devouring yourself - their flavours include Nutella and marshmallow, natural yoghurt and fresh fruit, chocolate brownie bits and salted caramel sauce, to name but a few."

"The family-run Raheen Woods Hotel can be found in Athenry, set amongst a tranquil woodland setting, a handy, 15-minute spin from the city,. This four star luxury hotel has plush rooms, marble halls and beautiful gardens to complement your spa treatments. The Tranquillity Leisure and Spa offers a full menu of beautifying therapies designed to relax and nourish body and soul."

"To round off our guide to the best spa hotels Galway has to offer is the often-missed Raheen Woods Hotel and Spa. This four star luxury hotel has plush rooms, marble halls and beautiful gardens to complement your spa treatments. The Tranquillity Leisure and Spa offers a full menu of beautifying therapies designed to relax and nourish body and soul."

"This new opening - about a 30-minute drive from Galway City - has Irish foodies all in a flutter of excitement. Their pitch is to use "ancient methods focusing on using wood to prepare, cook and serve our cuisine". So expect inventive, modern cooking with a strong emphasis on excellent produce."