Portumna to Kilgarvan

Difficulty

Beginner

Description

Travel left (East) when you depart from the recreation park and then enter the Shannon river where you see the navigation markers. There can be rough water where the Shannon enters the lake and travelling upstream can be difficult in high river flows, also avoid the angling stands on your left. Paddle under the N65 bridge and then return on the other side of Hayes Island. Be aware that motor cruiser and water ski craft in the river can create large wakes.
 

Difficulty

Intermediate

Description

Paddle from the recreation park along the bank on the right (West) and cross the entrance channel to Portumna Marina (0.5 km). The tree lined shore of Portumna Forest Park with small bays and headlands is in front of you. At the large headland at Rinmaher the lake bank turns to the right and you enter a large bay with ten small scattered islands. The largest on the inside curve of the bay is Church Island and during March to July, please stay at least 250 metres away as the White Tailed Sea Eagle will be nesting then. When you round the next large headland, you may see one of the forest park’s walking trails and if you want to stop in the forest park for lunch or a walk, bring or download a copy of Coillte’s Portumna forest park’s map on your phone.
Coillte have partnered with HiiKER and you can download the app with detailed information on Portumna forest at this link HiiKER App Portumna Forest.

Difficulty

Beginner

Description

Travel left (East) when you depart from the recreation park and then cross the mouth of the Shannon river where you see the navigation markers. Follow the bank to the white stone cairn and then cross to Terryglass on your right at the closest point (600 metres wide). There are good views down the lake from here. Take care crossing the river in high flows and also when crossing the open water to Terryglass harbour. Avoid this crossing if there is wind and it is advisable to have the option of stopping the journey in Terryglass. This journey may become Intermediate grade in windy conditions.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Description

Turn left (West) on leaving Terryglass and look out for Old Court Castle and the little hidden harbour as you travel towards the Gortmore harbour (1.6 km) just before the headland. Pay attention to the wind on the other side of this headland and if necessary reconsider our intended trip. After rounding the shelter of this headland you traverse a large bay with a protruding strip of land, and then a smaller bay, where you can see the remains of Drominagh castle and the mouth of the Ballyfinboy river which you may be able to travel up. Cross the next bay and find the unmarked reed channel close to the shore and after a private reed channel which is marked by a blue buoy. You can then exit from the slip in Kilgarvan quay.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Description

An enclosed bay which is suitable for guided intermediate paddlers and for independent intermediate paddlers capable of self-rescue. The crossing of Slevoir Bay at Terryglass must not be undertaken in windy conditions.

Turn right on leaving Terryglass and travel North to the start of the bay (0.7 km), then cross the 600 metre open water crossing to the far side of the bay. Once across, turn right (East) into the bay and follow the bank in a horseshoe loop back to Terryglass. Note that access to the land is poor for large parts of the Northern side of the bay.

Difficulty

Moderate

Description

The Hymany Way, one of a series of 11 sections of the greater Beara Breifne Way, goes in a northerly direction on the western side of the Shannon tracing the epic march of O Sullivan Bere from the Beara peninsula.

Difficulty

Moderate

Description

This trail is the longest loop through a variety of trees and open lakeshore. It covers the Western side of the park and includes the wonderful Bonaveen Point section by the lake. It is on single track which is narrow and twisty in places. The long section around the lakeshore is some of the most attractive landscape in the park with great views out over the expanse of Lough Derg. This trail is open to bad weather at times and can be quite exposed.
 

Difficulty

Moderate

Description

This loop is mainly on single track narrow trails and is suitable for those looking for a longer walk. It begins along a two-way section of trail and covers much of the Park. There are good views along the lakeshore near Rinmaher Point south towards Terryglass and East towards Portumna Bridge. Signal signs provide information about local features of fauna and flora, including red squirrel and fallow deer.

Difficulty

Easy

Description

This trail can be used by family walking groups. The surface is gravel; tarred forest road, wide timber boardwalk and there is a narrow section of trail. The gradient is minimal. It begins along a two-way section and includes an open area, the viewing platform and the duck pond. The viewing platform looks out across Lough Derg and its islands and Southwards towards Terryglass while to the right the main expanse of the lake can be seen.

Difficulty

Easy

Description

This trail is on wide and smooth forest road and wide timber boardwalk. It winds gently through trees to a viewing platform close to the shore and on to the duck pond before returning to the car park. The viewing platform looks out across Lough Derg and its islands and Southwards towards Terryglass while to the right the main expanse of the lake can be seen.

Difficulty

Easy

Description

Join the trail either from Portumna Harbour or Portumna Lifting Bridge. Enjoy panoramas across the expanse of Lough Derg as you follow this flat and easy route, passing the Water Recreation Park along the way.

Difficulty

Beginner

Description

This trail is the longest loop through a variety of trees and open lakeshore. It covers the Western side of the park and includes the wonderful Bonaveen Point section by the lake. It is on single track which is narrow and twisty in places. The long section around the lakeshore is some of the most attractive landscape in the park with great views out over the expanse of Lough Derg. This trail is open to bad weather at times and can be quite exposed.
This trail is open and flowing with gentle gradients and, while not technically challenging, is best experienced on a mountain bike.

Difficulty

Easy

Description

Join the trail either from Portumna Harbour or Portumna Lifting Bridge. Enjoy panoramas across the expanse of Lough Derg as you follow this flat and easy route, passing the Water Recreation Park along the way.