Step back in time at Portumna Castle, where centuries of history, stunning gardens, and lakeside woodland come together in one unforgettable visit.

Step Back in Time: Portumna Castle & Gardens Unveils Packed Programme for National Heritage Week 2026

History enthusiasts and nature lovers alike are in for a treat this August as Portumna Castle & Gardens prepares to host an exciting, action-packed line-up of events for National Heritage Week 2026.

Running from Saturday, August 15th to Sunday, August 23rd, Portumna Castle has curated a diverse schedule celebrating local heritage, biodiversity, traditional crafts, and culture. Best of all, admission to the castle grounds and the vast majority of events are entirely free of charge.

The celebrations kick off on Saturday, August 15th with free admission all day to mark the grand opening of Heritage Week.

A Week of Discovery and Music

Visitors dropping by on Sunday, August 16th can join the Trees of Portumna walk at 12:00 PM (no booking required), followed by the enchanting sounds of Storylines with The Street Harpist holding performances at 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM (booking required).

Mid-week highlights include the popular Reading Monastic Ruins tours on Monday, August 17th and Wednesday, August 19th at 2:30 PM, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area's ecclesiastical past. Horticulture enthusiasts can also enjoy guided Walled Garden Tours on Thursday, August 20th and Friday, August 21st at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.

On Friday afternoon, August 21st at 2:30 PM, stone-working traditions take centre stage with a special demonstration on Heritage in Stone Masonry.

Weekend Highlights and Grand Finale

As the festival moves into its closing weekend, visitors on Saturday, August 22nd can enjoy a special Portumna Castle Tour as Gaeilge (in Irish) at 12:00 PM, completely free of charge and offering a unique bilingual perspective on the historic site.

Heritage Week then culminates in a vibrant Market & Craft Fair on Sunday, August 23rd from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The grand finale Sunday features an impressive array of activities, including:

  • The O'Sullivan Beare Re-enactment running throughout the day from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • Saving Natural Heritage in our Gardens talks scheduled at 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM.
  • A specialised Barn Owl Talk hosted by John Carrig at 2:30 PM (booking required).

We encourage the public to follow their social media over the coming weeks for detailed updates on individual events and ticket bookings where required.

For more information, queries, or event bookings, contact the team at 046 9422900 or email portumnacastle@opw.ie. Don't miss your chance to experience the rich tapestry of history right in the heart of East Galway!