PORTUMNA CASTLE What is it?Portumna Castle, in Co Galway, is a semifortified Jacobean house – known as a strong house – on the northern shore of Lough Derg, on the River Shannon.
It was built between 1616 and 1618 for Richard Burke, a descendent of the Norman family of de Burgo, as part of his plans to consolidate his claims to the medieval de Burgo lordship of Connaught. Apart from a brief period when it was seized by Cromwellian forces, it remained in the Burke family (later titled the Clanricardes) until the early 20th century.
The castle and its demesne were sold to the State in 1948, and an ongoing conservation programme began in 1968. It is managed by the Office of Public Works.
Why visit?It is an interesting example of the architecture of the early 17th century. Built as a double-pile house – that is to say one two rooms deep – rather than with a tower or courtyard, it was deemed one of the most innovative buildings in Ireland or Britain at the time. A fire in 1826 seriously damaged it, however, particularly its great ornamental chimney stacks, which have since been restored.
Recently its 17th-century walled kitchen gardens were also restored, to include geometric planting of vegetables, fruit trees and bushes that would have been typical of the day. The demense also includes two other formal gardens.
Why now?Tomorrow at 3pm the Australian poet Robyn Rowland and the Irish harpist Lynn Saoirse will perform in Silver Leaving, a music and spoken-word event at the castle. The collaboration, which follows the bardic tradition of combining music and poetry, is part of Cúirt International Festival of Literature (which begins on Tuesday and runs until tomorrow week). Admission is free, and no booking is required.
This month Rowland is giving poetry workshops at Portumna, focusing on the natural landscape and environment. She and Saoirse will also perform informally around Galway city during Cúirt. The full programme is at cuirt.ie.
How do I get there?Portumna Castle is within five minutes' walk of Portumna town and marina, off the N65. If you're travelling from Galway city, take the M6, turning on to the N65 at Carrowkeel. From Dublin, take the M4 west, then fork on to the M6. Leave at the first exit for Ballinasloe and follow the R355 for Portumna; you'll join the N65 just before the town.
Portumna Castle and Gardens are open daily from Easter until September 30th, 9.30am-6pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays in October from 9.30am to 5pm. Admission is €3 for adults, €2 for senior citizens and €1 for students and children; 090-9741658; heritageireland.ie.
