Located in central Ireland, this historic town sits along the River Shannon. Its 12th-century castle and medieval streets tell stories of ancient battles and river trade.
Athlone lies at the intersection of County Westmeath and County Roscommon, where the River Shannon cuts through the heart of Ireland. You can climb the 900-year-old castle tower for river views, paddle a kayak under ancient stone bridges, or view contemporary Irish artwork at the Luan Gallery. The town's central location and direct train connections to Dublin, Galway, and Westport make it convenient for exploring the Irish midlands.
Getting Around Athlone
Trains run several times daily between Athlone and Dublin Heuston (1.5 hours) or Galway (1 hour). You can walk across the compact town center in about 15 minutes, from Church Street to Seán Costello Street. The train station sits within a 10-minute walk from Athlone Castle and the Luan Gallery.
Water Activities on the Shannon
The River Shannon runs through the center of Athlone, creating opportunities for water sports and riverside walks. At Hodson Bay, Baysports operates water sports programs and maintains the world's largest floating inflatable water slide. Viking Cruises runs boat trips along the Shannon, giving you a water-level view of the town. In summer, locals swim from the riverside promenade, which doubles as a walking path throughout the year.
Museums and Culture
Inside Athlone Castle, interactive exhibits chronicle 5,000 years of local history. The Luan Gallery occupies a bright, modern space overlooking the Shannon, displaying rotating exhibitions of contemporary Irish and international art. Each May, amateur theater groups from across Ireland perform at the Dean Crowe Theatre during the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival.
Shopping Districts
The Athlone Town Centre houses 54 shops and cafes in the town center, while Golden Island Shopping Centre adds more stores on the east side. Along Church Street, you'll find independent shops and cafes in historic buildings.
Historical Drinking Spot
Sean's Bar dates back to 900 AD, making it Ireland's oldest pub according to the Guinness World Records. Inside, you can see the original wattle and wicker walls, and a collection of ancient coins discovered during renovation work. The pub maintains its centuries-old atmosphere with a peat fire and sawdust floors.
Family Activities
Children can feed and pet farm animals at Glendeer Open Farm, which includes indoor play areas for wet weather. The IMC cinema and Planet Entertainment bowling alley provide indoor entertainment. A 30-minute drive takes you to Lough Key Forest Park, where you can walk forest trails or try the treetop walkway.
