Lough Derg Blueway (North) - Portumna

​Portumna and its beautiful buildings are set perfectly on the shores of Lough Derg – it’s the northern gateway town.  Here, grab a bike from Dick's Bike hire and head to Portumna Forest Park. Choose one of the three Blueway bike trails; we suggest the Bonaveen trail, at just over 10km; it is the longest trail and covers the western / lake-facing side of the park. The long section around the lakeshore has some of the most attractive landscape in the park and great views out over the expanse of Lough Derg. After all that exploration you will have worked up a thirst for some culture and heritage, so why not pop into Portumna Castle and Gardens? Here you can savour the lemon cheesecake the castle café is renowned for.

Alternatively if you want some local knowledge and a bit more excitement contact Jonathan of Mid Ireland Adventures who will bring you on a mountain bike tour. To recover from your walk or cycle call into the children friendly Blas restaurant or grab lunch in the Ferry Inn. 

For the afternoon you can cycle to Kenny's of Palmerston Stores who will provide you with fishing equipment for hire - their advice and experience will send you to where you have the best chance of catching the finest of fish.  

Some Accommodation options: Fuchsia Lane Farm offers award-winning Holiday Rental Cottages situated close to Terryglass; they are the perfect base for touring the Lough Derg region. Portumna House and Oak Lodge - Bed & Breakfasts who offer a guaranteed warm welcome upon arrival. And if it's a bit of craic you're after, then PodUmna is for you! Located in the heart of Portumna, this quicky campsite offers three glamping options - a shepherd's hut, pods, a bell tent, and bike hire!

​Start the day with a refreshing dip in the lake at Portumna's blue flag beach. For experienced paddlers, this area is also the trailhead for three Blueway water trails. For beginners, head to the lovely little quay of Kilgarvan. Here, Lough Derg Watersports will bring you on a guided trail around Fool’s island. Find your water legs as you meander through the harbour, along reed trails and take a peek out into open water.

After a great lunch in the Beehive Pizzeria don’t miss bringing older kids on a tour of the Irish Workhouse Centre – it lifts history right out of the text book and into real life. Powerful and moving. You can also follow the Portumna Heritage Trail using the app on your smart phone, keep an eye out for the Heritage Trail signs around the town.

Indeed you can keep walking out to Portumna Bridge and upstream alongside the River Shannon on the Hymany Way. This multi-day hike traverses the most beautiful and least explored areas of Irelands Hidden Heartlands. Along this Blueway trail, you will travel through the Shannon Callows, famous for their birdlife. Top-tip don't forget to look up for the chance to see the White-Tailed – Sea-Eagles circling overhead.