Portumna Forest Park

Co Galway > Ireland

The bird hide in Portumna Forest Park gives great views of White-tailed Eagle. Many other walks possible in the area and many other birds to see.

Added* by Bob Foyle
Most recent update 22 October 2020

Description

The whole Portumna Forest Park (450 hectare) has beautiful walks to suit all ages. The bird hide has information boards on the White-tailed Eagle. But many types of small finches, tits, and water fowls can be seen here. Lough Derg is a great place for birdwatching as it is supports important populations of both breeding and overwintering birds. The large numbers of resident birds are joined by summer visitors and others that arrive in winter. From the bird hide you can see birds like White-tailed Eagle, Tufted Duck, Eurasian Coot, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Goldeneye and Common Buzzard.

Details

Access

Portumna Forest Park is located just west of Portumna Town. The Park can be accessed from the R352 or you can walk from Portumna Marina close to the centre of town. Entrance at the main road from Portumna large car park. From there it's a 10 minutes walk to the bird hide. Circular Forest and lakeside walks from 1,4 km to 10 km. The White Trail is the ‘Forest Friendly’ walking trail and is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs (1.4 km), the Blue Trail is the ‘Woodland Walk’ (2km), the Green Trailis the ‘Rinmaher Walking Trail’ (10km) and finally the Red Trail, the Bonaveen Walking Trail (10km). All trails begin at the Forest Park information centre next to the car park and are well-signposted.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Grassland , Lake

Conditions

Flat , Dry

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring , Summer

Route

Unpaved road , Narrow trail , Wide path , Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

A tip is also to visit Portumna Castle and the tea rooms for morning coffee, light lunch, or afternoon tea. Sign posted but different access gates with its own car park.