Situated at the head of Lough Derg ( the most scenically attractive lake of the Shannon system ), Portumna has become an important centre of the Shannon cruising industry, and the Emerald Star Line maintains a depot for cruiser hire there. It is also a significant centre for angling. Once upon a time Lough Derg was one of the great trout lakes of Europe, but in recent years the water quality has deteriorated to a most distressing extent, and the angling is not what it was. A forest park to the west of the town has been opened on what were part of the estate of the Earls of Clanrickard , at one time owners of huge tracts of land in this part of Co. Galway. There are a number of ancient ruins, mostly of religious foundations. The remains of one of the last castles to built in Ireland can be seen at Derryhiveny, about three miles from the town.

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