Portumna Castle and Gardens

Portumna, Galway Check the official website Suits all ages

Portumna Castle and Gardens, Portumna, Galway

Family practicalities

  • Pram-friendly (likely)
  • Step-free access
  • Café on site
  • Toilets

Families can explore a 17th-century castle and wander through formal gardens, including a willow maze and a restored kitchen garden with old-fashioned planting.

This great semi-fortified house at Portumna was built around 1618 by Richard Burke – or, de Burgo – 4th Earl of Clanrickard. It is a Jacobean-style building which remained the main seat of the de Burgo clan for over 200 years until it was gutted by fire in 1826.

Portumna Castle has formal, geometrically-laid gardens to the north. The Willow Maze incorporates several different willow varieties and its central path is lined with espalier fruit trees which are underplanted with lavender.

A 17th-century potager kitchen garden has been restored to its original splendour and organically planted with flowers, herbs, hollies, and vegetables. The garden offers the visitor an ideal opportunity to see and experience gardening layout and techniques of yesteryear.

There are toilet facilities onsite. Children must be supervised at all times. There is partial wheelchair access.

The details

Address
Portumna, Galway
Cost
Check the official website
Indoors or out
Both indoors and out
Booking
Check the official website
Listed by
Fáilte Ireland Attractions
  • Activity
  • Experience
  • Castle
  • Attraction
  • Historic Houses and Castle
  • Gardens
  • Garden
  • Cafe
  • Food and Drink