Welcome to Athlone!
Athlone is at the centre of Ireland and the ideal place for those who want to cruise on the Shannon, where you can exploit the central geographic location to maximise the benefit of being on the longest river in the British Isles.
Top Hotels
Radisson SAS Hotel Athlone
Located in the heart of Athlone town, with magnificent views of the Ri...
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The Sheraton Athlone Hotel Athlone
Just over an hour from Dublin and Galway, we are situated in the new A...
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Glasson Golf Hotel Athlone
With its lakeside and country location it is the ideal Hotel to relax ...
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When travelling on the Shannon out of Athlone, southwards to Clonmacnoise, be conscious of the fact that the lock has to fill, so it’s best to be up early and get to the lock before anyone else so that you’re not kept waiting.
Athlone could not be called beautiful, and what charm it has has been assuaged further due to its becoming a commuter town of Dublin. Those who travel between Athlone and Dublin frequently complain about the roads and transport, the ludicrous rise in house prices in recent years in Ireland having forced many of the residents now living there to buy property so far from work in the capital.
However, Athlone has its own history, and was once mooted by Republicans as recently as the 1970s as the possible capital of an independent full island Ireland due to its location.
A castle lies in the middle of Athlone town. Brian Boru, famed king who was killed at the Battle of Clontarf, led an army and fleet there to attend a gathering at Lough Derg in the year 1001. In the twelfth century a bridge was built over the Shannon, with a fort flanking it to protect it. The Anglo Normans fortified the bridge further with more advanced architecture. What became the castle was later destroyed, but its remains date from around the period of Anglo Norman conquest and later.
As a link to Connaught, Athlone has played a pivotal role in the wars of the seventeenth century, passing at times between nationalists and their Jacobite allies or the English rulers of the time.
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Glasson Golf Hotel & Country Club
Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
One of Ireland's finest Parklend courses. Designed by Christy O'Connor Jr.
- Tel: +353 (0)902 85120
- Email: info@glassongolf.ie
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Mount Temple Golf Course
Moate, Co. Westmeath
A Championship Parkland Golf Course, close to Moate. Created by God, polished by man. A magnificent course for any standard of golf.
Athlone Golf Club Athlone
Ballinlough Castle Golf Club Ballinlough
Delvin Castle Golf Club Delvin Castle
Moate Golf Club Moate
Mullingar Golf Club Mullingar
Main Town Attractions
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Athlone Castle - Athlone
Located at Saint Peters Square, Athlone, and built in the 13th century to command the ford on the Shannon, Athlone Castle now includes audio visual presentations on the fauna, flora and power resources of the Shannon, the life of Count John McCormack, and the siege of 1691.
Westmeath Tourist Attractions
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Athlone Castle - Athlone
Located at Saint Peters Square, Athlone, and built in the 13th century to command the ford on the Shannon, Athlone Castle now includes audio visual presentations on the fauna, flora and power resources of the Shannon, the life of Count John McCormack, and the siege of 1691.
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Ballinlough Castle - Clonmellon
Located at Clonmellon, a sense of antiquity prevails as you enter the gates of Ballinlough. Perched on a hill overlooking two lakes. The 17th century castle is the home of Sir John and Lady Nugent. The gardens have been under restoration since 1994, and are now open to the public, together with the lakeside and woodland walks.
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Belvedere House - Mullingar
Located at Mullingar, Belvedere is a superb 160 acre estate on the shores of Lough Ennell. The eighteenth century hunting lodge, walled garden and landscaped park have been restored to their former glory. There are also a wide range of facilities to enjoy. The terrace gives magnificent views of Lough Ennell and provides the visitor, both young and old, with a memorable day out. The restored stables now have exhibits that tell the story of how Belvedere was developed, the evocative 18th Century story of the Wicked Earl and the Mary Molesworth scandal.
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Dun na Si Folk Park - Moate
Located in Moate, in the heart of Ireland, Dun na Si is a microcosm of Irish culture. Explore the Folk Park - a picture of bygone days with preserved farm machinery. Trace your family roots with the assistance of qualified researchers. Enjoy the music, song, dance and story telling at a Folklore show, Seisiun or Ceili.
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Fore Abbey - Mullingar
Located in Mullingar, in the rolling pastures of Westmeath, the abbey is home to the remains of a thirteenth century Benedictine Priory, an anchorite cell and St Fechin's Church. Fore Abbey was founded originally in 630 AD by St Fechin.
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Lockes Distillery - Kilbeggan
Located at Kilbeggan, Lockes Distillery Museum is the last remaining example of a small pot still Distillery in Ireland. Follow the process of making triple distilled, Irish Whiskey, from the grinding of the grain to the casking of the final product. Over ninety percent of the original machinery has now been restored and can be seen working daily. Peer into the 9 meter (28ft) high fermentation vats. Learn about the lives and working conditions of the people that worked here.
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Rockfield House - Rathowen
Locates at Rathaspic, Rathowen, Mullingar, Rockfield House is a classical Georgian residence with delicate and ornate plaster work offering traditional character and charm. It stands secluded among mature trees in nature's wonderland garden, shared with wandering wildlife and and farm animals on an organic farm. The house overlooks the lost Glen Lake.
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Tullynally Castle - Castlepollard
Located at Castlepollard, Tullynally Castle, home of the Pakenham family since the 17th century, was later transformed into a romantic gothic revival castle. It is one of the largest castles in Ireland. The gardens, enclosing approximately 13 hectares, were laid out in the early 19th century and have recently been restored to their former splendour. Formal terraces overlook a fine demesne ringed with hills.
