Things to Do in Athlone: The Midlands' River Heart

Straddling the mighty Shannon at Leinster's western edge, Athlone has been a strategic crossing point since the Bronze Age. While other Leinster towns like Trim and Kilkenny boast more intact medieval infrastructure, Athlone's position as the geographical center of Ireland made it uniquely vital throughout history. The town's name comes from "Ath Luain" (Ford of Luain), where the ancient east-west route crossed the Shannon long before bridges existed.

The town rose to prominence in the 12th century when the Normans built the first stone castle here. Unlike many Leinster settlements that grew organically around monasteries, Athlone developed as a military stronghold, most famously during the 1691 Siege of Athlone, when the town held out against 10,000 Williamite troops for ten days—a resistance that's still commemorated annually.

Essential Athlone Attractions

Athlone Castle

This imposing 12th-century Norman castle sits on the west bank of the Shannon and offers one of the most immersive historical experiences in the Midlands. The castle's modern interactive exhibition tells the dramatic story of the 1691 siege through multimedia displays.

Visitor Tips: Allow 1.5-2 hours to fully experience Athlone Castle. Summer mornings are best to avoid crowds, and admission includes access to the castle's viewing platform with panoramic river views that rival those at Clonmacnoise.

Sean's Bar

Officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as Ireland's oldest pub (and potentially the oldest in Europe), Sean's Bar dates back to 900 AD. Archaeological excavations revealed walls made of wattle and daub from this period, portions of which are displayed in the National Museum.

Visitor Tips: Visit mid-afternoon (3-5pm) for the best chance to chat with staff about the pub's history. Evening sessions feature traditional music most nights, but arrive by 8pm to secure seating.

Church of Saints Peter and Paul

This magnificent 20th-century church features the largest stained glass collection from Harry Clarke studios in Ireland. The stunning "Last Judgment" window is considered one of Clarke's masterpieces, rivaling even the work in Kilkenny's Black Abbey for intricate detailing.

Visitor Tips: Visit on sunny mornings when light streams through the east-facing windows. The church is usually open 10am-4pm and requires about 30-45 minutes to appreciate fully.

Luan Gallery

Athlone's contemporary art gallery occupies a beautifully repurposed 19th-century building alongside newer exhibition spaces. The gallery showcases national and international artists with rotating exhibitions that often incorporate Shannon's influence on Midlands culture.

Visitor Tips: Free admission and typically quieter on weekday afternoons. The gallery's riverside location provides excellent Shannon and castle photo opportunities. Allow 45-60 minutes.

Shannon River Cruises

Experience the Shannon from the water with Viking Tours or River Run Cruises. These boat trips provide unique perspectives of Athlone's riverscape and access to Lough Ree's monastic islands.

Visitor Tips: The 2-hour Lough Ree Heritage Tour offers the best value. Book morning departures (10am) for calmer waters. Unlike Dublin's canal tours, these Shannon cruises provide genuine tranquility and wildlife-spotting opportunities.

Lesser-Known Athlone Treasures

Derryglad Folk Museum

This family-run museum houses one of Ireland's finest private collections of rural artifacts, with over 5,000 items documenting Irish country life since the 1800s. The Finneran family, who've farmed this land for generations, provide personalized tours filled with stories you won't find in guidebooks.

Local Insight: The collection includes rare items specific to Shannon basin farming, including specialized tools for cutting and harvesting reed beds that once dominated local agriculture.

Burgess Park

This small riverside park beneath the west end of the bridge contains the remains of the original stone battlements from the 1691 siege. Most tourists walk right past, but locals know it's where defenders made their final stand before retreating across the bridge.

Local Insight: The metal sculpture here commemorates the legendary Sergeant Custume and his volunteers who sacrificed themselves to destroy the bridge and halt the Williamite advance.

Dead Centre Brewing

Athlone's craft brewery and taproom sits directly opposite the castle and produces beers named after local landmarks and history. Their "Siege" series commemorates the 1691 battle, while seasonal brews often incorporate foraged ingredients from the Shannon callows.

Local Insight: The brewery stands on the site of what was once O'Meara's Bakery, which supplied bread to British garrisons. The vault in the basement allegedly connected to tunnel systems under the castle—something the brewery's weekend tours now highlight.

Athlone's Event Calendar

Spring

Athlone Literary Festival (April) - Celebrating the town's literary connections, including John Broderick and Kate O'Brien. Features readings, workshops, and walking tours of sites featured in their works.

Shannon Feastival (May) - Food festival showcasing the region's producers, with a particular focus on river and lakeshore ingredients. The Pike and Perch cooking competition draws chefs from across Ireland.

Summer

Athlone Agri Show (June) - Traditional agricultural show with livestock competitions, craft displays, and machinery exhibitions. The sheep shearing competition attracts competitors nationwide.

Rose of Athlone Festival (July) - Community festival centered around the marina with water-based activities, Viking boat races, and music stages throughout the town center.

All-Ireland Sheep Shearing Championships (August) - One of Ireland's premier agricultural events, drawing competitors from around the country and internationally.

Autumn

Siege of Athlone Commemoration (September) - Historical reenactments, military displays, and traditional craft demonstrations commemorating the 1691 siege. The nighttime cannon firing over the Shannon is particularly impressive.

Lough Ree Environmental Summer School (September) - Lectures, field trips, and workshops focusing on the Shannon waterway's ecology and conservation challenges.

Winter

Athlone Christmas Market (December) - Traditional European-style market in Athlone Castle courtyard, featuring local crafts, food producers, and mulled wine made with Dead Centre Brewing's winter ale.

Shannonside Music Festival (February) - Indoor music festival across multiple venues showcasing folk, trad, and acoustic acts from the Midlands region.

Family Activities

Athlone Castle & Siege Experience

The castle's interactive displays include dress-up areas, weapons demonstrations, and hands-on exhibits about medieval life. The 3D battle experience suits children 8+ but might frighten younger visitors.

Age Recommendation: 6+ (some exhibits better for 8+)

Glendeer Pet Farm

Located just outside Athlone, this family-run farm park combines traditional farm animals with more exotic species like alpacas and wallabies. The nature trail and large playground make this ideal for burning off energy.

Age Recommendation: 2-12 years

Baysports Inflatable Water Park

Ireland's largest inflatable water park on Lough Ree features slides, trampolines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses on the water. Safety briefings and life jackets provided for all participants.

Age Recommendation: 7+ (children must be confident swimmers) Weather Contingency: Indoor kayaking and paddleboard lessons available at their boathouse during poor weather.

Athlone Regional Sports Centre

All-weather option featuring a 25m swimming pool with dedicated children's pool, water slides, and splash zone. The center also offers climbing walls and indoor courts.

Age Recommendation: All ages (dedicated areas for different age groups)

Shannon Banks Nature Trail

This easy 3km walking loop along the eastern bank of the Shannon provides excellent bird watching opportunities and informative signage about the river's ecosystem.

Age Recommendation: All ages (pushchair accessible)

Local Athlone Business Highlights

The Fatted Calf

This award-winning restaurant is located in Glasson village (10 minutes from Athlone) and emphasizes locally sourced ingredients. Their signature dish is a 28-day aged Westmeath beef with foraged mushrooms and vegetables from their kitchen garden.

Local Tip: Book the chef's table for a bespoke tasting menu featuring ingredients gathered that morning from the Shannon callows.

Kin Khao Thai

Authentic Thai restaurant housed in Athlone's former gaol. Their Massaman curry with Athlone-brewed beer is a surprising local fusion that works brilliantly. The basement dining area features original cell doors and barred windows.

Local Tip: Ask for the "Shannon Heat" option for authentic Thai spice levels rather than the milder Irish palate version.

Bastion Kitchen

This specialty coffee shop serves exceptional brews and showcases baked goods from small Midlands producers. Their signature "Shannon Blend" coffee incorporates beans from three different origins, changed seasonally.

Local Tip: Their breakfast flatbreads using black pudding from local butcher Hayden's are worth arriving early for—they usually sell out by 11am.

Burgess Department Store

Family-owned since 1839, this department store represents a vanishing breed of Irish retail. The homewares department features many Irish designers, including exclusive Shannon pottery pieces explicitly made for the store.

Local Tip: The third-floor café offers one of the best views across the Shannon and traditional farmhouse baking that hasn't changed recipes in decades.

Visit Athlone

Athlone's position at Ireland's geographical center makes it the perfect base for exploring the hidden Midlands. While tourists often rush between Dublin and Galway, those who pause in Athlone discover a town where history and modernity blend seamlessly along Ireland's greatest river. From ancient pubs to cutting-edge water sports, Athlone offers experiences that capture the essence of Ireland's heartland without the crowds of coastal destinations.

Check out our guide about things to do in Mullingar.