Redeveloped Connaught Harbour visitor destination officially opens following €2.8m investment

New marina includes berthing for 28 craft, visitor services, pavilion structure and ample parking facilities.

Lough Derg Blueway Extension officially launched connecting Connaught Harbour to Castle Harbour.

Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland in the company of Minister of State Anne Rabbitte TD have officially launched the redevelopment of Connaught Harbour, Portumna, Co Galway following a €2.8m investment, marking a significant milestone in the Shannon Tourism Masterplan.

The redevelopment project is one of two significant tourism and navigation projects in Portumna, which fall under the Shannon Tourism Masterplan, a collaborative project led by Waterways Ireland with Fáilte Ireland and 10 Local Authorities along the River Shannon and Shannon-Erne Waterway. This masterplan aims to position the Shannon as a destination for international and domestic tourism, transforming the region into a key tourist destination amongst Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Photo L to R: Anne Rabbitte T.D. Minister of State, Marie Healy, Phil Cargil,
Éanna Rowe, Eoghan O’Brien, Cllr Ivan Canning, and Paddy Mathews

The redevelopment of Connaught Harbour includes a significant expansion of the number of mooring berths in the harbour for public use which will further enhance the thriving boating and cruise hire sector in the region. The investment includes the addition of canoe steps for access to the Lough Derg Blueway; additional onshore facilities such as seating and picnic areas; a new cycle and walking trail linking Connaught Harbour to Portumna town and Lough Derg Blueway; additional parking facilities including EV chargers, and improves the visual impact of the harbour, creating a sense of arrival in the town.

Also officially opened is the first phase of the extension of Lough Derg Blueway, connecting Connaught Harbour to Castle Harbour At circa 3km in length it forms a vital link between the two Waterways Ireland owned harbours as well as the 30km of cycling and walking trails in the forest park and the linear trail of over 10km to Meelick weir.

Commenting on the completion of Connaught Harbour Eanna Rowe, Operations Controller, Waterways Ireland said: “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.

“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”.

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 €1.3 million 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”.