At the very heart of Ireland sits Athlone – a vibrant town with a unique blend of outdoor activities, cultural landmarks, lively bars, and excellent food.
You can be as busy or as relaxed as you want to be in Athlone. The Midland’s largest town is steeped in history, surrounded by the River Shannon, and offers top-notch cuisine. If you want to take a hike, relax on a boat, or immerse yourself into the night-life; Athlone ticks all the boxes.
Did you know that Athlone was the scene of the heaviest bombardment in Irish history? Well, you can learn all about the Siege of Athlone at the Athlone Castle Visitor Centre. Dating from the 13th century, a trip to the fortress-like Athlone Castle is one of the most popular things to do in Athlone. The Visitor Centre has exhibitions covering the entire history of Athlone, as well as the role the town played in numerous sieges and battles over the years.
If you and the family are looking to have some outdoor fun, Baysports at Hodson Bay is a nationwide favourite. Baysports is Ireland’s largest inflatable waterpark and promises fun for people of all ages. Kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, pedal boating, rafting, dragon boating, boat trips, and powerboat courses are all on the menu at Baysports, and wetsuits are available to hire. The perfect activity for a warm summer’s day!
The Viking Boat Tours are a unique activity to Athlone. Sail north up to Lough Ree, the Lake of the Kings, or south down along the River Shannon to Clonmacnoise, the most famous monastic site in Ireland. Hear about Viking hoards, high kings, big battles and saintly scholars while enjoying the natural beauty and rich wildlife that pops up around every corner. In this 21-metre-long replica of a Viking Knarr, there is something to spark the imagination for young and old. With sailings every day, it is the perfect way to get the whole family out on the water.
If you get off the boat and have developed a thirst, no trip to Athlone is complete without visiting Sean’s Bar, officially the oldest pub in Ireland. If you are looking for a drink with a light bite, Broke Boy Pizza at Peddler Mac’s or the Dead Centre Brewery are packed with flavour and good vibes.
Go beyond Athlone
But why stop at Athlone? There are plenty more activities for all of the family around the county of Westmeath.
Just a 10-minute drive away you will find Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park in Moate. Set in a stunning 27-acre parkland in the heart of Ireland, it offers a diverse range of recreational, educational, cultural, and historical activities for all ages. Translated to ‘fort of the fairies’, the park features a Heritage Trail, Vintage Museum, reconstructed historical sites, a Pet Farm, walking trails, Fairy Island, a turlough (seasonal lake ), playgrounds, sculptures, and tea rooms.
The Old Rail Trail Greenway, which totals 42km, traces from the River Shannon in Athlone to the Royal Canal in Mullingar past restored station houses and under stone arched bridges and overhanging trees. With lots of entry and exit points, you can hop on and off to explore the villages and attractions along the way.
If you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of Athlone, the Wineport Lodge in Glasson offers a haven of tranquillity, cosiness, and comfort. When it comes to dining, prepare to embark on a culinary journey like no other. The Restaurant at Wineport Lodge boasts a menu of exquisite dishes crafted from the finest locally sourced ingredients, perfectly complemented by an extensive wine list featuring both classic vintages and innovative blends. When you think it can’t get better, the panoramic views of Lough Ree provide the backdrop for your dining experience.
