Portaneena Wildlife Sanctuary: A Haven of Biodiversity
Escape to Portaneena Wildlife Sanctuary in Westmeath: Discover a tranquil haven of biodiversity and reconnect with nature's beauty.
The Wildlife Sanctuary in Portaneena, Co. Westmeath, is a tranquil escape into nature, dedicated to preserving the region's biodiversity. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves while exploring the natural landscapes.
A brief summary to Wildlife Sanctuary
- Portaneena, Co. Westmeath, IE
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best chances to see wildlife.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in one of the designated areas amidst nature.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the sanctuary has several trails.
- Check for any guided tours or educational programs that may be available during your visit.
- Don't forget your camera and binoculars to capture the beautiful flora and fauna.
Getting There
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Walking
From within Portaneena, the sanctuary is easily accessible by foot. Follow the local road, and you'll find the entrance within a short walk. The walk offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
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Public Transport
To reach the Wildlife Sanctuary using public transport, take a bus to a nearby town like Mullingar or Athlone. From Mullingar, you can take Local Link bus services towards Ballymore and ask the driver for the closest stop to Portaneena. From there, it's a walk to the sanctuary. A single fare on Local Link services within Westmeath typically costs around €4 with a TFI Leap Card. Without a Leap Card, the fare is approximately €5. Keep in mind that Local Link services often require pre-booking.
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Taxi
If arriving in a nearby town such as Athlone or Mullingar, a taxi is a convenient option. Taxi fares in Westmeath start at approximately €1.60 per kilometer. A taxi from Mullingar to Portaneena (approximately 20km) would cost around €32. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
Discover more about Wildlife Sanctuary
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Hot Tub Boat
2.7 km
Experience Athlone's scenic waterways in unparalleled style and comfort with a luxurious hot tub cruise on the River Shannon and Lough Ree.
Cornamagh Cemetery
3.6 km
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Fernhill Garden Centre
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Moydrum Castle
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McEnroe Memorials Athlone Headstones
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Commemorative Cross
5.0 km
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Athlone railway station
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Mughali Restaurant Athlone
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Rob's Ranch House
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Sheraton Athlone Hotel
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Il Colosseo
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The Fatted Calf
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Franciscan Abbey & Graveyard
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Franciscan Abbey and Graveyard
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Poppy Fields Cafe
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Unmissable attractions to see
Carnakill Point Lake View
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Garrycastle
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Old Rail Trail (Whitegates, Athlone)
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Old Rail Trail - Athlone.
5.5 km
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Hidden Heartlands Tours
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Riverside tours
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The Golden Mile
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Luan Gallery
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Church of Saints Peter & Paul
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Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
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Sean's Bar
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Burgess Park (Páirc Burgess)
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The Silver Mile
6.0 km
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Shannon Banks Nature Trail Walk (Brown Route)
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The Big Meadow Walkway
6.3 km
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Essential places to dine
Grogan's
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The Chalets Restaurant
2.2 km
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The Bounty
4.0 km
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Double Y
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TUS: Midlands (Athlone) Campus Restaurant
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Ken's Oriental Restaurant ( Athlone)
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Chicken Cloud Athlone
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Old Town Street Food
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Mughali Restaurant
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KAFE U
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Jia Jia Chinese Restaurant
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La Provence Brasserie
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Supermac's & Papa John's Irishtown Athlone
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Pizzeria Il Basilico
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Coffee Haven
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Home Store + More
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Next
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Eason
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Tommy Hilfiger
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ZARA
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Jack Wills
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Athlone Towncentre
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Art & Hobby
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The Works
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Athlone Crystal & Gift Gallery
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The Forgotten Lady
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The Perfume Shop Athlone
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1 Of A Kind Clothing
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KSO Corp
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Coosan Tavern
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The Tack Room
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Carey's Tavern
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Lord Bellamys
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Flannery's Bar
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Nuts Corner
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Biddy O'Dowd's
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The Piano Bar
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The Brazen Monkey
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The Prince Bar
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The Castle Inn
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Seery's Bar Athlone
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The Snug Bar
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The Fiddlers
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