Portumna

Local folklore has it that somewhere outside the Portumna Castle is built an underground tunnel. The story goes that when Ireland was convulsed by a struggle with the Danes, the monks – who then had a monastery about 300 hundred yards away – known colloquially as the Friary - used to hide their gold in this tunnel.&nbsp;
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When the Danes were found to be coming, the monks hid their gold in it and left the tunnel by Elliot’s field beside the Shannon taking to the boats moored nearby to escape. The Danes were very fond of gold and on this account the monks built the tunnel to store their gold!
The story goes that a land agent for Viscount Harewood named Moran and a couple of workmen on the Harewood Estate opened the mouth of the tunnel and went in some little distance with a lighted candle.&nbsp;
After a while, the candle quenched which indicated there was no air therein. All the party reported seeing a large animal that looked like a dog and which is reputed to guard the treasure, night and day, and it is believed the animal will not allow anyone to touch the treasure. Upon seeing the animal’s shiny white fierce teeth, they fled in terror.

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The Lord Abbots name was O’Madden and the priceless treasure hidden in the tunnel belonged to him. He was replaced by a man named McEgan, one of the McEgan’s from BallyMcEgan in Munster. Other accounts suggested that a big black wolf is guarding the tunnel.&nbsp;
Hearing the story a man by the name of O’Toole decided to have a go at unearthing the treasure – being half way in the tunnel he was eaten by the big black wolf!
Undeterred, some years later, another man by the name of Ryan made up his mind to explore the tunnel. This time with success and he emerged from the tunnel with a handful of precious jewels which weighed 3lbs.

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The treasure is believed to be buried in the old castle now hidden from sight under the earth, in Silk’s Wood (called after the man who planted it) and believed to be in a tunnel in chests consisting of precious stones and silver chalices, hidden in a smaller tunnel running into a larger one weaving underground all the way to Stoneyisland.

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Some folks believe The Danes to have taken the sacred vessels and thrown into the River Shannon.
However, the locals in Portumna believe the treasure is now buried underground at the castle, and hidden from sight under the earth, in Silk’s Wood.
Here, with all its secrets and stories from the past, you will find abundant the treasure chests dripping with precious stones, gold, and silver. The value of the treasure is unknown.
Why not take time this Easter to explore <a href="https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/portumna-castle-and-gardens/" target="_blank">Portumna Castle</a> and its grounds with this story in mind!
And don't forget to support our local shops, butchers, health stores, restaurants offering takeaway - you can find a full list of suggestions on our app under Food &amp; Drink, Shopping and Lifestyles. You should have no problem finding a shovel or metal detector in Dan Lynch Hardware Supplies!

Hidden Treasure at Portumna Castle

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