Irish Times Essay Spotlights East Galway Tourism Hidden Gems
In a travel essay published by rte.ie, actress and writer Deirdre Mullins argues that domestic travelers often overlook the historical and culinary depth of East Galway, choosing instead to speed past the region on the way to Connemara or Galway city. Writing for the Irish national broadcaster’s lifestyle section, Mullins recounts her decision to exit the motorway and spend a short break exploring Loughrea, Portumna, and Athenry.
The essay details a 10-course tasting menu at the Michelin-starred Lignum restaurant in Loughrea, priced at €165. Located on a family property where owners Danny Africano and Molly Keane previously ran Slatefort House, the restaurant centers its cooking around a domed wood-burning oven. Mullins highlights a lemon sorbet finished with olive oil, featuring lemons handpicked near Pompeii by the chef’s father, alongside an Achill lamb dish aged for two and a half weeks.
Beekeeping and Workhouse History in Portumna
Away from the dining room, Mullins visits fourth-generation beekeeper Noel Leahy in the foothills of the Sliabh Aughty Mountains. Leahy manages more than 300 hives and offers 90-minute personalized apiary tours priced at €150 for one or two visitors, according to the rte.ie report. Visitors don protective suits to inspect the hives before tasting various honeys, including wildflower and mountain heather varieties, paired with local Irish cheeses.
Shifting from rural agriculture to social history, the essay describes a guided tour of the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna, where admission costs €12. Guide Brendan explains the harsh 19th-century regime where inmates survived on watery porridge known as ‘stirabout’ and boiled potatoes. Holographic projections inside the restored building depict the living conditions and the tenure of the workhouse’s first master, Henry Ogle, who fled to America in 1865 amid allegations of abuse.
Medieval Castles and Cycling Trails
Nearby stands Portumna Castle, a 17th-century stronghold built by the de Burgo family before a 1826 fire left it roofless. Guide Tony leads visitors through the restored ground floor and formal gardens, where a hive of native Irish black bees lives within the thick stone walls. The rte.ie feature notes that visitors can rent bicycles from Dick in Portumna town, exploring the Blueway cycle path to Lough Derg, the marina, and Portumna Forest Park.
The journey concludes in Athenry, which Mullins describes as one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval towns. Accompanied by local guide Adrian, she tours the 13th-century Athenry Castle, where admission is €5. The essay notes that Adrian traced the author’s Mullins surname to its Anglo-Norman roots in Clare, Cork, and Galway, prompting her to question why she had spent years driving past the region without stopping.
Frequently Asked Questions About East Galway Travel
How much does the tasting menu cost at Lignum?
The 10-course tasting menu at Lignum in Loughrea costs €165 per person, featuring dishes that combine Irish produce with Mediterranean flavors.
What activities are available at Portumna Forest Park?
Portumna Forest Park features flat trails ideal for walking and cycling, with free entry for visitors exploring the woodland home to fallow deer and pine martens.
How much is admission to Athenry Castle?
Admission to the 13th-century Athenry Castle is €5, offering visitors a guided look at one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval fortifications.