Athlone
The Shannon crossing is the town's whole reason: castle, old town pubs and boats at the centre of Ireland. Athlone stands on the River Shannon in County Westmeath, near the geographical centre of Ireland.
Best sites to see in Athlone
Athlone Castle
Standing on the west bank of the River Shannon at the town's bridge, Athlone Castle is a stone fortress first built in the early 13th century and much altered since. Its visitor centre tells the story of the town and the sieges of Athlone.
Sean's Bar
On the west bank near the castle, Sean's Bar is famous for claiming a history going back to around 900 AD and is listed among Ireland's oldest pubs. Whatever the exact claim, its walls hold a display on its long past.
Church of St Peter and Paul
This large 1930s church beside the castle on the west bank is Athlone's most prominent building after the castle itself. Its size reflects the importance of the old town west of the Shannon.
The Shannon Riverfront and Lough Ree Cruises
Athlone sits where the Shannon opens towards Lough Ree just north of the town. Boat trips leave from the town quays, and the riverfront is the place for an evening stroll.
Where to stand, and when
- Athlone Castle from across the River Shannon: Late afternoon and dusk give the best light on the castle walls, with reflections on the river in calm weather.
- Sean's Bar and the old west-bank streets: Early evening catches the pub front at its most atmospheric before the crowds arrive.
- The Shannon and Athlone bridge from the riverfront: Sunset suits the wide river views north towards Lough Ree.
Athlone through history
Athlone's name comes from Ath Luain, the ford of Luan, marking its ancient role as a crossing point on the River Shannon.
A stone castle was built at Athlone in the early 1200s for King John to guard this strategic Shannon crossing between Leinster and Connacht.
Athlone was besieged twice, in 1690 and 1691, during the Williamite War in Ireland, because of its vital bridge over the Shannon.
Near the geographical centre of Ireland, Athlone grew as a market, garrison and river-trading town on the Shannon.
Practical tips
- The castle, Sean's Bar and St Peter and Paul's are all on the west bank within a few minutes' walk, so see that side on foot.
- Boat trips on the Shannon and Lough Ree are seasonal and weather-dependent, so book ahead and check departure times on the day.
- Athlone has good rail and road links, making it an easy day trip, but town-centre parking is busiest on Saturday afternoons.
Where we would stay in Athlone
Church Street, Athlone
Hotel in Athlone
Prince of Wales Hotel, Athlone
The Prince of Wales is a four star hotel in the centre of Athlone, within walking distance of the train station, which makes it the practical pick for a Shannon stopover. It comes with free parking and full Irish breakfasts, and travellers on Hotels.com give it an average guest rating of 8.8 out of 10. Athlone is the town we send people to for Sean's Bar and the river, and this is a solid, fairly priced base in the middle of it all, with no need for taxis at either end of the day.
Best for: Shannon stopovers and Sean's Bar evenings, especially anyone arriving by train. It is a practical town centre four star rather than a country house stay; the lakeside hotels sit outside town.
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What's on
No anchor festival is based here, but the Irish year is full: next up nationally is TradFest (20–24 Jan 2027, Temple Bar, Dublin). See the full events calendar