Flora and Fauna
Portumna Golf Course offers a rich and diverse environment for flora and fauna, creating a unique and serene golfing experience. The course, once part of the expansive Harewood estate forest, retains much of its original woodland charm, with towering trees and thriving ecosystems.
Flora
The course is home to a variety of mature trees, including oak, beech, ash, sycamore, and silver birch, many of which date back to the estate’s earlier days. These trees are not only visually striking but also play a significant role in defining the layout and character of the course. Their strategic placement challenges golfers while enhancing the overall parkland atmosphere.
Beyond the trees, seasonal blooms and undergrowth, such as wildflowers, add splashes of color to the fairways and roughs. The natural grassland areas are carefully managed to encourage biodiversity, allowing native plants to flourish.
Fauna
Portumna Golf Course is a haven for wildlife, much of which mirrors the diversity found in the adjacent Forest Park. The abundance of trees and open spaces provides ideal habitats for numerous bird species, including robins, thrushes, and finches. The proximity to Lough Derg and the Shannon system contributes to the presence of waterfowl, such as ducks, herons, and swans, which are often spotted near water hazards on the course.
Small mammals, including squirrels, foxes, and hedgehogs, can also be seen throughout the grounds, adding to the vibrancy of the ecosystem. Insects like butterflies and bees thrive in the flowering areas, reflecting the course’s commitment to promoting pollinator-friendly environments.
Fallow Deer
Fallow deer and their grazing are a significant part of the ecology of the course and have been synonymise with Portumna Golf club since its inception in 1913. Our current club logo reflects the importance with which the deer is held. The first reference to Fallow deer in Portumna dates back to 1620 when the Earl OF Lismore gifted a herd of deer to the then Earl of Clanricarde. Today the deer can be seen roaming freely around our fairways. Fallow Deer have very good vision, and can see the tiniest details from great distances. They are also very athletic and can be seen jumping walls and boundary fences at their ease. Members and visitors alike admire their presence
Birds
Proximity to Portumna forest park means we are in the lucky position to be the home of some of Irelands 450 different species of birds, too numerous to mention here but a highlight during the spring months in particular is the dawn chorus. Some of the lesser known birds like the red speckled woodpecker can be found around the 7th fairway and if you can’t see it, you can certainly hear it’s distinctive tap tap sound. Another bird worth a mention is the rare but beautiful white tailed eagle. Thanks to a recent reintroduction program in Portumna and Mount Shannon, this along with the mute swan is largest resident bird species to be found in Ireland today. It has a wingspan of over two metres (six feet), with a body length of around 1 metre. Although rare to see, it has been spotted around the forest to the right of the 12th Fairway
Red Squirrel
Along with the deer, the red squirrel is probably one of our most loved residents and can be seen on practically any hole. Noted for their exceptional climbing ability, they can be spotted going from tree to tree. Autumn is the best time to watch them as they are busy gathering and burying nuts and seeds for the winter. Scots pine cones are a favorite food and a good place to spot them is the little cluster of trees to the right of the 16th Green.
Pine Marten
Pine martens appear on the course from time to time but by nature they are extremely shy and difficult to see. They mainly hunt at night after smaller vertebrae animals like rodents.
The best place to spot them is the wood running to the right of the 16th Fairway.
In addition to deer, squirrels and pine martens, you can find badgers and foxes also but they are mainly nocturnal hunters and are difficult to spot during daylight hours.
Waterfowl
The 17th hole is home to a number of waterbirds including moorhens, grey heron and mallard ducks.
The latter can be seen wandering around the 10Th tee box looking for food. (please do not feed unless it’s porridge oat lets)
Course Trees
Conifers
The Forestry Commission, later to become Coillte, in 1948 gradually planted commercial conifers over a five-year period. Sitka spruce, Norway spruce, European larch, Japanese larch and Douglas fir were all planted but Scot’s pine was the main species. The Forest Park now has one of the largest areas of Scots pine in the country much to the delight of our squirrel population.
Beech
The beech trees are the oldest of the planted heritage, believed to date from the late 1700s.
Exotic Trees
Some examples of the following exotic trees can also be seen (on the course and within the forest):
- Monterey pine
- Monterey cypress
- Sitka spruce
- Silver fir
- Cedar of Lebanon
- Western red cedar
- Douglas fir
- European larch
Play the course
Enjoy a round on our 18 hole championship course or one of our short form offerings.
Clubhouse Restaurant
Enjoy Delicious Dining at Our Beautiful Restaurant on Portumna Golf Course!
Golf Practise
Elevate Your Game with Expert Training at the Scenic Portumna Golf Course!
