Portumna Castle and Gardens

About the museum

Portumna Castle was built in the early 1600s by the fourth Earl of Clanricarde and was the power base of the de Burgo family for generations. It is a rare example of transitional Irish architecture, mixing medieval defensive features with Renaissance ideas in a bold design.

A major fire in 1826 left the building a roofless shell. The state began to bring it back from ruin in the 1960s, and restoration work still continues. The Office of Public Works now looks after the site as a heritage attraction.

A walk up to the building passes formal gardens that recall the seventeenth-century setting, and the walled kitchen garden is a particular feature. The castle has fine views over Lough Derg. The ground floor is open to visitors and holds an exhibition on the history of the castle and the de Burgo family, with an audio-visual show. The site lies beside the River Shannon and Portumna Forest Park.

Highlights

• Early 17th-century castle combining medieval and Renaissance design
• Ground-floor exhibition on the castle and the de Burgo family
• Formal gardens and a walled kitchen garden
• Views of Lough Derg, beside the River Shannon and Portumna Forest Park

Permanent exhibition

• Portumna Castle and the de Burgo family – An exhibition on the ground floor tells the story of the castle and the de Burgo family; the gardens and walled kitchen garden can be explored outside.

Founded

1617

Operated by

Office of Public Works (OPW)

Admission & discounts

Entry is free with an OPW Heritage Card, which Heritage Ireland offers for its sites.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Heritage Ireland lists the site as having limited access and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. A visual guide in PDF form helps first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities prepare for a visit.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The site has a playground and baby changing facilities.

Getting there & parking

The castle is in Portumna town next to Lough Derg, the River Shannon and Portumna Forest Park.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Heritage Ireland lists a café, gift shop, Wi-Fi, a picnic area, toilets, baby changing, an audio-visual show, a playground and walking trails among the facilities.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit