Woodland – Water – History – Option B

Option B: Portumna Forest – Lough Derg – Portummna Castle Gardens – The Irish Workhouse Centre

We travel into the East of County Galway to Portumna at the northern shores of Lough Derg, the largest lake on the river Shannon. The name Portumna comes from the Irish Port Omna, the landing place of the oak tree. This calls for a walk in the almost 600 ha of the woodlands connected to Portumna Castle built by one of the most influential Galway families, the de Burgos, in the 17th century. We will visit the magnificent gardens and have the option for a light lunch in the Castle Tea Rooms or we might venture into Portumna for various options. A very special part of the day will be the visit to the Irish Workhouse Centre which is the only centre in Ireland dedicated to telling the story of the Irish workhouse and also one of the best preserved buildings of its kind. You might learn much about Irish history you did not know, the tours here are excellent. From here we return to our starting point and I imagine we will all appreciate having a comfortable home to go back to.

Easy walking, please bring suitable clothing for changeable weather. Entry fee for Workhouse centre included for single bookings. Pick up along the route from Kinvara to Oranmore to Portumna for open tours. Price per person €95, limited to 6 people.

Pickup for private tours can be arranged prior to booking. Boat ticket (€25) not included for private tours. Price per person €90 (min €450 /max €550)

For private group bookings please contact us about available dates.