Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Portumna

"One of the top family attractions in Galway is Portumna Castle and gardens. Built in the early 17th century, this castle is a semi-fortified house located in the town of the same name. Located close to the shores of Lough Derg, it was built in the Renaissance style and the grounds have walled gardens, gate lodges and is right beside the River Shannon and Portumna Forest Park, making it an ideal family day out location in County Galway."

"The castle of Portumna is a beautiful example of a Renassiance-style semi-fortified house. Built in the early 17th century, it was the first of its kind in the British Isles and was considered unrivaled in Ireland for its size and grandeur. Formal enclosed gardens, courtyards and small houses on the property, which sits on the shores of Lough Derg, just add to the beauty of the place."

"Built in the 13th century, Athenry Castle is in the centre of Athenry and is open daily for guided tours from April to October. The existing castle complex has plenty to see including a curtain wall with two round lookout towers and a three-storey keep housing the Great Hall. Built in 1253 by Meiler de Bermingham it has been the site of many battles, particularly between the Normans and the King of Connaught."

"On the west bank of the Clarin River, Athenry is a Heritage Town, boasting not just a castle but the original medieval walls of the town. It was originally a 13th-century Norman castle, complete with arrow loops and other battlements."

"While Ireland’s weather is famously cool, it isn’t the temperature that will give you chills when visiting Clonmacnoise. Rather, it’s the 1,500 years of monastic history that’s powerfully felt in these ruins—where temples, cathedrals, home sites, and graveyards have withstood the elements for centuries. Originally founded in the 6th century, this stone village along the River Shannon prospered for a time as Christian monastery in Ireland’s central plains."

"Near Athenry, you will find a forest walk to enjoy with your little explorers called the Carrabane Forest Walk. There is a looped trail that is composed of gravel (so not really buggy-friendly) that crosses streams and over bridges that kids and dogs will love. Take a picnic to enjoy, and if you are visiting in autumn, take a food container so the kids can do some blackberry picking."

"If you're lucky enough to be within the 2km of Chef's Café in Craughwell, you're in for a real treat!. The café is back open every day, offering a wide selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner options for collection and delivery. Whether it's a mighty full Irish or a hearty Sunday roast, Chef's Café is your only spot!"

"Ballylee Castle is a 16th century Norman castle which was built by the family de Burgo (Burke). Ballylee Castle is famous for once being the homeplace of the acclaimed famous Irish poet W.B. Yeats who lived there with his family for 12 years between the years of 1918-1929."

"While Ireland’s weather is famously cool, it isn’t the temperature that will give you chills when visiting Clonmacnoise. Rather, it’s the 1,500 years of monastic history that’s powerfully felt in these ruins—where temples, cathedrals, home sites, and graveyards have withstood the elements for centuries. Originally founded in the 6th century, this stone village along the River Shannon prospered for a time as Christian monastery in Ireland’s central plains."