Page 116 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

114 BACK ROADS IRELAND

1 Portumna Alternatively drive there (2 km/
Co Galway 1 mile) along the Gort Road (R353).
Surrounded by open farmland and Maps of its marked trails can be
forests, Portumna lies at the head of picked up at the entrance. There is a
Lough Derg, its bridge straddling the wide variety of birdlife in the park, as
Tipperary and Galway banks of the well as red squirrels and fallow deer.
Shannon. In summer, it plays host While visiting Portumna, it is also
to small groups of holidaymakers worth taking a look at Terryglass, a
cruising on the river. It has a lakeside pretty boating village with a couple
bathing spot, with picnic tables and of good restaurants (see right), just
a lifeguard (Jun–Aug), less than a around the bay, off the N65.
kilometre (half a mile) from the ª Exit Portumna on Shannon Road,
centre (signposted “Swimming Area” then follow R352 along the lakeshore.
from the Bank of Ireland).
Portumna’s main sight is Portumna 2 Lough Derg
Castle and Gardens (open Apr–Oct), Co Galway and Co Clare
reached by turning left opposite The section of Lough Derg between
Portumna Catholic Church in the Portumna and Mountshannon
Above Portumna Friary, a Dominican Friary centre of town (the entrance to the (around 40 km/21 miles) is sparsely
built over a Cistercian chapel castle is 300 m (984 ft) along on the populated. Views of the lake are
right; fork right after the Gate Lodge). largely obscured by trees, but two
A fortified mansion built in the early scenic detours off the R352 make
17th century for the De Burgo family, the drive worthwhile. Ten kilometres
the castle is undergoing continual (6 miles) from Portumna, at a
restoration, but the ground floor is crossroads, turn right at the sign for
open to visitors. The gardens are Lough Derg Drive leading to higher
known for the Renaissance Sun ground away from the lake but
Garden, laid out in a geometric offering better views. It reaches the
design in front of the house, a rare quaint village of Woodford before
VISITING MOUNTSHANNON
17th-century rose and a fully returning to the R352.
restored kitchen garden. Continue through Gorteeny and
Boat Trips to Holy Island
Between April and September, boat Return to the Gate Lodge and this 2 km (1 mile) before Whitegate,
trips to Holy Island are operated by time take the left fork to the marina where the road bends sharply left,
Ger Madden and leave from where there are picnic tables looking leave the main road by veering right
Mountshannon Harbour. Tickets can across Lough Derg. Nearby are the onto a narrow country lane. Drive
be bought from a kiosk on the pier.
Ger Madden; 061 921 615; ruins of Portumna Friary, a Cistercian straight for 2 km (1 mile) and turn left
www.holyisland.ie chapel extended by the Dominican at a cottage, crossing the R352 again.
order in the 15th century. Continue to the shore of the lake,
VISITING KILLALOE From the marina, it is possible to where there is a shallow area that is
AND BALLINA continue on foot to Portumna Forest good for swimming.
Park (open daily), a public forest park ª Return to the R352 , turn left and
Tourist Information
Brian Boru Heritage Centre, along the shore of Lough Derg. drive on to Mountshannon.
Killaloe; 360 788; open Apr–Sep: daily;
www.discoverkillaloe.ie
WHERE TO STAY
MOUNTSHANNON
Mountshannon Hotel inexpensive
A stone’s throw from the harbour, this
modest family-run hotel has a popular
restaurant and a cosy bar with an
open fire in winter.
Main St; 061 927 162; www.
mountshannon-hotel.ie
KILLALOE
Lakeside Hotel inexpensive–moderate
Popular for its location beside the lake,
this hotel features an indoor pool,
steam room and sauna.
061 376 122; www.lakesidehotel.ie Above The quay at Killaloe, a pleasant town on the banks of Lough Derg
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

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