History of Athlone

Thanks to Gearoid O' Brien, Athlone librarian, historian and writer for his assistance in planning and compiling information on the History of Athlone.

Athlone (in Irish AthLuain or the ford of Luan) is a town steeped in history. From time immemorial this important crossing point of the Shannon has been recognised as having great strategic significance. More stray archaeological finds have been found in the bed of the river in Athlone than at the site of any comparable Irish town. It was not, however, until c100 that Athlone was to develop as a nucleus of settlement.

In 1120 the Connaught king built the first of six successive wicker or wooden bridges, and in 1129 a castle to defend it. Bridge and castle were destroyed on behalf of the Meath kingdom and rebuilt by the Connaught kings' successively over the next forty years. In 1210, in recognition of its strategic importance, Athlone was designated as the joint seat, with Dublin, of English administration in Ireland and the construction of a new Castle and bridge was begun.

There are several interesting aspects to Athlone's history. The history as a religious Centre both of native Irish orders and Government supported foundations. The history as a strategic site, which was frequently a place of battle for control of the river crossing. The latter is the more familiar aspect of its history particularly the siege of 1691 which was celebrated in 1991, its tercentenary.

• History in Brief
  

  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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• Buildings of Note
  

  Athlone does not have a particularly distinguished architectural heritage, nevertheless there are a number of distinguished buildings which are worthy of attention. The most distinguished being Athlone Castle.

  
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• The Sieges of Athlone
  

  The closing decades of the seventeenth century were among the most turbulent in this country's history. Many people will have a vague notion about the Siege of Athlone in 1691, some may have studied or read 'A Ballad of Athlone' by Aubrey de Vere.

  
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• History of the River Shannon
  

  The River Shannon and its natural fording point is the reason that we have the modern town of Athlone. The Shannon is the largest river in these islands meandering for over two hundred miles in length

  
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• History of Connaught and Leinster Sides
  

  The river Shannon divides the town of Athlone into two parishes, two dioceses, two counties and two provinces. Read our brief history of the Connaght and Leinster sides of the town.

  
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• Origins of Place Names
  

  Find out the origins of Place Names and Streets in Athlone.

  
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• Athlone Reading List
  

  The following reading list is designed to give a good introduction to the history of the town of Athlone and its environs.

  
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• Old Athlone Society
  

  The aims of the Society are to preserve, examine and publish the history of the town and district of Athlone...

  
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