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

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