Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places 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."

"The family-run Raheen Woods Hotel can be found in Athenry, set amongst a tranquil woodland setting, a handy, 15-minute spin from the city,. This four star luxury hotel has plush rooms, marble halls and beautiful gardens to complement your spa treatments. The Tranquillity Leisure and Spa offers a full menu of beautifying therapies designed to relax and nourish body and soul."

"To round off our guide to the best spa hotels Galway has to offer is the often-missed Raheen Woods Hotel and Spa. This four star luxury hotel has plush rooms, marble halls and beautiful gardens to complement your spa treatments. The Tranquillity Leisure and Spa offers a full menu of beautifying therapies designed to relax and nourish body and soul."

"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."

"The family-run Raheen Woods Hotel can be found in Athenry, set amongst a tranquil woodland setting, a handy, 15-minute spin from the city,. This four star luxury hotel has plush rooms, marble halls and beautiful gardens to complement your spa treatments. The Tranquillity Leisure and Spa offers a full menu of beautifying therapies designed to relax and nourish body and soul."

"To round off our guide to the best spa hotels Galway has to offer is the often-missed Raheen Woods Hotel and Spa. This four star luxury hotel has plush rooms, marble halls and beautiful gardens to complement your spa treatments. The Tranquillity Leisure and Spa offers a full menu of beautifying therapies designed to relax and nourish body and soul."

"Treating yourself to a beautifully balanced espresso with subtle notes of cocoa and to a warm croissant that ooze thick hazelnut chocolate from the award winning bakery at The Old Barracks is a delightful way to perk up any dreary day. With a vast selection of freshly baked sweet treats to choose from and a delicious array of heavenly coffees and traditional teas, you can cheer up all weekday woes with their takeaway goodies. Cross St, Gorteenacra, Athenry, Galway // more here"

"Providing the people of Athenry with Heat at Home pancake boxes, The Old Barracks know how to mark an occasion. Each box has four pancakes - ideal for sharing between two, or completely devouring yourself - their flavours include Nutella and marshmallow, natural yoghurt and fresh fruit, chocolate brownie bits and salted caramel sauce, to name but a few."