About Athlone

Athlone is located in the centre of Ireland and is the largest town on the River Shannon south of Lough Ree. Almost 20,000 people live within 2 miles of the town and 39,000 of a population within a 10 mile radius. Athlone (in Irish AthLuain or the ford of Luan ) is one of 21 Irish Walled towns and is steeped in history. The Town is home to several historical landmarks, most notably Athlone Castle which was built as a fortification in 1210 during the Anglo-Norman times. It is one of the fastest growing inland urban areas and has undergone significant changes and developments in all sectors during the last fifteen years. It is one of the Midland Gateway Towns which is marked for development and further investment over the coming years.

Athlone is renowned for its location on the banks of the River Shannon, which flows through the town centre. Lough Ree just north of the town is one of the largest lakes on the Shannon and Lakelands Region and provides the perfect location for water activities such as angling, cruising, water skiing, wind surfing and sailing. The town is easily accessed by rail and road and with ever improving national and local infrastructure is within a short driving distance of Dublin, Galway and Knock airports.

Many of the amenities such as shopping, restaurants, hotels and theatres are located in the town centre which makes it an ideal location to visit for leisure or business.

• Athlone Today
  

  Athlone today is a thriving business and shopping town. It is a popular destination for visitors and has experienced major development in many sectors in recent years.

  
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• History of Athlone
  

  Athlone (in Irish AthLuain or the ford of Luan) is a town steeped in history. Traditionally, the  Bridge of Athlone was the main crossing point  between east and west and is overlooked by the landmark Athlone Castle.

  
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• River Shannon
  

  The River Shannon which flows through Athlone is the longest river in Ireland. It divides the west  from the east and south. The river flows from the Shannon Pot in County Cavan through or between 10 counties before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at the Shannon Estuary.

  
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• athlone castle
  

  Athlone Castle, a Norman Castle was built in 1210  and is located on the west bank of the River Shannon, beside the Bridge of Athlone. The Castle Visitor Centre is currently closed for renovation.

  
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• People of Note
  

  Athlone has many People of Note both past and present. We have started by featuring some well know Athlonians from times past but will be adding others on a regular basis.

  
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• Genealogy
  

  This Genealogy resource is aimed at helping you in your search for records of family history for past generations.

  
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• Writings from Athlone
  

  This area of athlone.ie showcases published works of poetry, fiction and non-fiction by Athlone Writers.

  
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• Town Twinning
  

  Athlone is twinned with Chateaubriant since 1995. Chateaubriant is located in the French Department (county) of the Loire-Atlantique in the heart of the west of France.

  
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