Portumna Castle and Forest Park
Built in 1609 by Earl Richard Burke, this massive, noble structure on the northern shores of Lough Derg is a particularly fine manor house. Had it not been gutted by fire in 1826, who knows what billionaire might own it now? The fire spared much of the impressive exterior, including its decorative Dutch-style gables and rows of stone mullioned windows; the ground floor is open to the public, and contains exhibits on the history of the castle, particularly the so-called “Flight of the Wild Geese” when James II’s Jacobite supporters fled Ireland in defeat. The grounds contain a restored walled kitchen garden and a willow maze. Surrounding the castle, the beautiful 560-hectare (1,383-acre) expanse of Portumna Forest Park offers trails and signposted walks, plus viewing points, picnic areas, and the remains of a 13th-century Cistercian abbey.
Built in 1609 by Earl Richard Burke, this massive, noble structure on the northern shores of Lough Derg is a particularly fine manor house. Had it not been gutted by fire in 1826, who knows what billionaire might own it now? The fire spared much of the impressive exterior, including its decorative Dutch-style gables and rows of stone mullioned windows; the ground floor is open to the public, and contains exhibits on the history of the castle, particularly the so-called “Flight of the Wild Geese” when James II’s Jacobite supporters fled Ireland in defeat. The grounds contain a restored walled kitchen garden and a willow maze. Surrounding the castle, the beautiful 560-hectare (1,383-acre) expanse of Portumna Forest Park offers trails and signposted walks, plus viewing points, picnic areas, and the remains of a 13th-century Cistercian abbey.
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