East Galway & Lough Derg

East Galway is the gentle side of the county - lush farmland, historic towns, and Lough Derg's peaceful shores. This route explores the heritage of monastic Clonfert, elegant Portumna, and the Shannon's great lake.

Why This Route?

East Galway offers a different experience:

• Portumna Castle - Finest Jacobean mansion in Ireland
• Clonfert Cathedral - Romanesque doorway masterpiece
• Lough Derg - Shannon's largest lake
• Peaceful countryside - Away from tourist crowds
• Historic towns - Ballinasloe, Loughrea

Where to Stay

This 56km day route runs east from Galway City through Athenry and Loughrea to Portumna on Lough Derg, then north via Clonfert and Banagher to Ballinasloe. Galway is the clear starting base -- it has the accommodation depth, the restaurants, and the evening atmosphere to complement a day spent exploring the quieter eastern farmlands and lakeshores.

Galway

Staying in Galway means you can head east after breakfast and work your way through Athenry's medieval walls, Loughrea's Harry Clarke windows, and Portumna Castle before returning in the evening. The city's Latin Quarter pubs and seafood restaurants round off a day in the gentle countryside of East Galway.

The Route

Starting from Galway City

Head east through the Galway hinterland.

Athenry

A medieval walled town of considerable importance:

• Town walls (best preserved in Ireland)
• Athenry Castle (Norman fortress)
• Dominican Priory ruins
• Fields of Athenry song connection

Loughrea

A market town on its own small lake:

• St Brendan's Cathedral (Celtic Revival interior with Harry Clarke windows)
• Medieval buildings
• Loughrea Lake walks

Portumna

The jewel of East Galway:

Portumna Castle

Ireland's finest Jacobean mansion (early 17th century):

• Formal gardens restored
• Impressive ruins
• Free access to grounds

Portumna Forest Park

1,500 acres on Lough Derg's shore:

• Walking and cycling trails
• Wildlife (red deer herd)
• Lake access and swimming
• Picnic facilities

Town

• Traditional character
• Shannon cruiser base
• Good facilities

Lough Derg

The largest lake on the Shannon:

• Cruising
• Fishing
• Island monasteries (accessible by boat)

Clonfert Cathedral

One of Ireland's most important Romanesque monuments:

• 12th-century doorway - masterpiece of Irish Romanesque
• Associated with St Brendan the Navigator
• Atmospheric churchyard
• Free access

Banagher

A Shannon crossing town with:

• Anthony Trollope connection (he lived here as postal surveyor)
• Traditional character
• River cruising base

Ballinasloe

Return via this historic town:

• October Horse Fair (Europe's oldest)
• Military history
• Good facilities

Clonfert Cathedral

The Romanesque doorway (c. 1180) is the finest in Ireland:

• Six orders of arches
• Human and animal heads
• Intricate geometric patterns
• Triangular pediment unique in Irish architecture

St Brendan founded the monastery here in 563 AD. He's buried somewhere in the graveyard.

Shannon Cruising

From Portumna

• Hire cruisers for day trips or longer
• Navigate to Killaloe/Scarriff
• Visit Holy Island (monastic ruins)
• No experience required

Holy Island (Inis Cealtra)

A monastic island in Lough Derg:

• Round tower
• Five churches
• High crosses
• Boat trips from Mountshannon

Walking

Portumna Forest Park

• Multiple trails (2-10km)
• Wheelchair-accessible options
• Nature trail with information
• Lake shore path

Loughrea Lake

• 5km circuit
• Town accessible
• Easy terrain

Practical Tips

1. Clonfert - Small; no facilities but always accessible
2. Portumna Castle - Check OPW opening times
3. Forest Park - Parking charges apply
4. Ballinasloe Fair - First weekend October; town very busy
5. Shannon cruising - Book ahead in summer

Before You Drive This Route

Plan on 1 day for the East Galway & Lough Derg: the 56km takes roughly 1.5 hours at the wheel, and the rest is why you came. If this is your first drive in Ireland, read driving on the left in Ireland before you collect the car — the first roundabout is not the moment to work it out. For what a trip like this costs in 2026, from fuel to beds, see the budget guide. If you have not booked a car yet, our guide to renting a car in Ireland covers what to choose and what the desk will ask for, and car hire excess insurance explains the excess you will be asked to cover. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Galway page, and the Connemara Loop pairs naturally with this one.