Athlone Castle Logo 7kb    Athlone Castle
Visitor Centre
ATHLONE, IRELAND.


WELL WORTH A VISIT

 
OPEN DAILY
MAY TO SEPTEMBER
AND ON REQUEST
SPECIAL RATES
FOR GROUPS & FAMILIES
Facilities include
TOURIST
INFORMATION OFFICE
AND TEA SHOP
BOOKINGS TO
(0902) 72107/92912
    
Athlone Canon 4kbThe History of
Athlone and its Castle
Athlone (Ath Luain - the Ford of Luan) is situated on the principal fording point of the middle Shannon. In 1129 King Turlough O'Connor recognised it's strategic importance and built a wooden castle here.

In 1210 King John of England ordered the building of a stone castle and bridge. The Castle was built by John de Gray, Bishop of Norwich.

The Castle is now a focal point for tourism and visitors and it features exhibitions and audio visual presentations.

The Siege of Athlone. The story is told on the large screen with excellent use of contemporary engravings, portraits and prints. This colourful show makes history come alive and is at once educational and entertaining.
   
   

Count John McCormack 6KB

John Count McCormack

Among the artifacts on display in the Castle is John McCormack's own gramaphone and other items of personal memorabilia. The Audio-visual presentation captures the humanity of this celebrated tenor.
   
   
Duck on the River Shannon 6KBThe Story of the River Shannon

Our audio-visual presentation covers the archaeology of the Shannon Basin, the flora and fauna of the Shannon, the history and development of transport on the river and its role as a provider of hydro electricity.
   
   


17th Century Soldier 11kbMilitary History of Athlone

In the Visitor Centre we see life size models of soldiers wearing a variety of uniforms which would have been seen on the streets in Athlone from the 17th century to the present day.

By highlighting the role of the army in the town Athlone salutes the Irish army past and present. For three centuries the town has grown as a garrison town with the army playing a pivotal role in the cultural, economic and social life of the town. It is appropriate that the military history of Athlone would be included in any development of Athlone Castle.
   
     
Tourist Office 6kbFacilities

A Tourist Office occupies the old guard house and caters for all the needs of visitors to Athlone and the Castle.

A tea-room is set above the old armaments store which is an ideal spot to enjoy a snack and light refreshments while you admire the works of art on view.
   
   
Modern Athlone

Athlone today is a thriving town enjoying a central location in the heart of Ireland. It is at the confluence of the major east-west and north-south routes and is well served by both bus and rail transport.

Athlone is an ideal base from which to visit the Irish midlands. In the rich hinterland one can sample the wild beauty of the Irish bogs, the delights of the Shannon and Lough Ree as well as the great monastic site of Clonmacnoise and the beautiful Goldsmith Country.
   
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