Our base in Portumna

About Portumna

The whole of the Shannon and Erne is great for fishing, but Lough Derg, a stone’s throw south of Portumna, is a fisherman’s paradise and probably the best fishing spot in Ireland. This spectacular stretch of water is huge and you could easily spend a week exploring the many pretty villages along its shores. Must-see Clonmacnoise, an ancient Celtic burial site, is just 6 hrs to the north of Portumna.

What you get on the base

Facilities

• Toilets and showers
• Laundry
• Wifi
• Fridge

Extras and options for your cruise

The following extras are available to prebook or purchase locally at this base. A reduced fee will apply to items that are prebooked. Please see ‘Holiday Extras‘ for more details about each extra. Restrictions apply.

Travel to Portumna

View our Portumna base on Google Maps

By Train

Closest train stations:

• Nenagh: 30 km
• Ballinasloe: 34 km

By Road

Be prepared

It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with local road rules and abide by them. Most European countries have a list of compulsory equipment that you must take with you. For driving advice and a list of the equipment you’ll need, please visit https://www.theaa.com/european-breakdown-cover/driving-in-europe

Directions from Galway City

Take motorway to Loughrea. From Loughrea to Killimor Killimor- Portumna.

Directions from Dublin Airport

 Take Motorway M50. Exit at Athlone/ Galway. Motorway to Ballinasloe. Ballinasloe exit for Portumna. Directions from Shannon Airport: Take Motorway to Limerick City. Follow signs for Dublin. Exit at Nenagh for Borrisokane. Follow direct to Portumna.

Directions from Cork Airport

Take city bypass following signposts to Limerick. In Limerick take bypass of city following signs to Dublin/ Nenagh. In Nenagh take exit for Borrisokane and follow direct to Portumna

Directions from Knock Airport

Follow signs to Claremorris, Claremorris to Tuam, Tuam to Claregalway, Turn left in Claregalway and go to oranmore, take left exit at first roundabout and first left at next roundabout following signs for Dublin/Loughrea. By pass Loughrea following signs for Ballinasloe/Dublin. Approx 3km from Loughrea turn right following signs for Killimor/Portumna. Enter Portumna.

Directions from Rosslare Port

Follow signs for Kilkenny City, From Kilkenny to Johnstown, Johnstown to Borris-in-ossery. From Borris-in-ossery to Roscrea, Roscrea to Birr and Birr to Portumna

Parking

Ungated parking onsite (pre-bookable extra – fee applies).

By Air

Closest airports:

• Galway: 62 km
• Shannon: 94 km
• Dublin: 162 km
• Knock: 119 km
• Cork: 178 km

Airport Transfers

In Ireland we can arrange airport transfers for you. Standard transfers are €35 per person and run from Dublin airport to Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturdays (and any other day except Sunday – although a minimum 5 person charge applies on these other days) and from Dublin or Shannon airport to Portumna on Saturdays only. Outside of these time, a private transfer can be arranged, although different rates will apply.

Inward standard transfers are arranged to coincide with arrivals between 09.00 – 18.00. Any time outside of these times will be charged at a private rate.

On arrival at Dublin airport, if landing at Terminal 1, you will find your transport driver waiting in front of the coffee shop, and if landing at Terminal 2, you will find your driver waiting in front of the book shop. If you are travelling to Carrick-on-Shannon your driver will be from Martin Coaches and have a sign with ‘Shannon – Erne – Waterways’, if you are travelling to Portumna your driver will be from Kearns Transport and have a sign with ‘Emerald Star or Le Boat’.

Return transfer time is before 10 am from either base. If you require a later pick up time, a private transfer rate will apply. If you have an early morning flight, you will be picked up 5 hrs prior to your flight’s departure time. (E.g. Flight time: 8am – you will be picked up from the base at 3 am. Please note this is a standard transfer rate).

Please contact our Boating Experts to book your transfer.

By Sea

Irish Ferries offer several daily sailings from Holyhead to Dublin. Dublin is approximately a two hour 15 minute drive from our Emerald Star Base in Portumna. Pack your car with everything you need to enjoy your holiday to the full.

Arrival at Portumna

For more details about:

• when to arrive at our bases
• what to expect when you arrive 
• how to prepare for check-in
• what happens on your final day when you return your boat

visit our ‘arrivals‘ page.