The Connaught Harbour visitor destination in Portumna, Co Galway, has officially reopened following a €2.8m redevelopment investment, part of the Shannon Tourism Masterplan aimed at enhancing the region’s appeal for tourism.
The revamped marina now accommodates 28 craft, offers visitor services, a pavilion structure, canoe access points for the Lough Derg Blueway, and improved parking facilities, including EV chargers.
The redevelopment includes new seating and picnic areas, a walking and cycling trail linking Connaught Harbour to Portumna town, and improves the overall visual appeal of the harbour.
The project also features the launch of the Lough Derg Blueway extension, a 3km connection between Connaught Harbour and Castle Harbour, which enhances access to cycling and walking trails in the area, bolstered by investments from Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.
Eanna Rowe, Operations Controller, Waterways Ireland said: “At Waterways Ireland, our goal is to reimagine, maintain, develop, and promote Ireland’s inland navigations to sustain communities and offer people opportunities for recreation and tourism.
“The ambitious project sees the transformation of Connaught Harbour into a new visitor destination, coupled with the developments at Portumna, further upgrading these local amenities for the benefit of all. At Waterways Ireland, we want to encourage participation among locals and visitors by providing new opportunities to inspire curiosity and adventure along our waterways and we are immensely pleased to open these new sites for the public today. Connaught Harbour and Portumna Blueway are key projects in the ambitious Shannon Tourism Masterplan, and Waterways Ireland is delighted to see these projects officially opened today. We, along with Fáilte Ireland and 10 Local Authorities have agreed a vision to elevate Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, one that will enhance the amenities for local communities while also bolstering tourism across the region.”
Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland said, “Fáilte Ireland is committed to sustainable tourism development that not only enhances visitor experiences but also supports local communities and protects our natural heritage. Our €1.3m investment for the re-development of Connaught Harbour will help transform the destination’s outdoor tourism offering by providing a cruise hire hub, improved access to water facilities and a new cycling and walking trail to link the harbour to Portumna town. Today, we’re pleased to announce this project in partnership with Waterways Ireland is now complete and open to the public.”
