Portumna Golf Club

The origins of Portumna Golf Course date back to 1913 when it was established on land rented from local farming families in the Claggernagh area. Initially, the course facilities were rudimentary, with a house provided by John Kelly serving as a makeshift locker room, and the maintenance was overseen by John Wallace.

In 1934, discussions with George Munro, the agent for the Harewood estate, led to the relocation of the course onto the estate lands, the conditions of which included a nominal rent and the reservation of grazing rights by the estate. The new course, designed by MF O'Keeffe, B.E., was officially opened on June 30, 1935, while a new clubhouse was constructed the same year.

After the Forestry Commission's acquisition of the Harewood Estate in 1947, Portumna Golf Club secured exclusive rights to the land, negating the need for greens to be fenced. In 1951, a 99-year land lease was negotiated, and significant course modifications were made based on Dan O'Brien's recommendations, expanding club facilities during the late 1950s.

In the early 1970s, the golf course experienced improvements under new stewardship, leading to the construction of a new clubhouse with support from Bord Failte in 1971. This enabled further course expansion to 18 holes, with a redesign by Eddie Connaughton, culminating in a new championship course opened in 1992.

During the 1990s, the club obtained full ownership of the course and additional land, leading to further development and improvements to both the course and clubhouse facilities. By 2000, the clubhouse and several course holes had been renovated, celebrating the enhancements with an official opening in September.

The new millennium witnessed ongoing course upgrades, with Paddy Kelly as the course manager, including the construction of new greens and a practice area. The course gained recognition by hosting a series of national competitions, as well as featuring Rory McIlroy in an Irish Youths International match against Scotland in 2005.

The course continued its development with additional greens in 2008 and celebrated its centenary in 2013, marked by hosting prestigious All Ireland golf championships. Its location on the shores of Lough Derg and within a forested area presents unique playing challenges and is a notable feature of the course.