Athlone & Shannon Heritage

Athlone guards the Shannon crossing at Ireland's heart. This ancient crossing point developed into a strategic fortress and vibrant river town. This route explores Athlone and Lough Ree, the great lake that expands the Shannon north of the town.

Why This Route?

Athlone offers Midlands heritage:

Shannon crossing - Ireland's geographic centre
Medieval castle - Commanding the bridge
Lough Ree - One of the great Shannon lakes
Clonmacnoise access - Monastic city nearby
River cruising - Shannon waterway hub

The Route

Athlone

Allow half a day for the town:

Athlone Castle

Norman castle rebuilt over centuries:

Visitor centre with excellent exhibitions
Views from battlements
Stories of sieges and battles
1691 siege recreated

The Shannon

The river defines the town:

Riverside walks
Cruiser hire
Restaurant boats
Viking ship replica tours

The West Bank

The older part of town across the bridge:

Atmospheric lanes
Traditional pubs
Sean's Bar (claims world's oldest pub)

Left Bank

Modern dining and shopping quarter.

Lough Ree

The third-largest lake on the Shannon:

Islands with monastic ruins
Excellent fishing
Cruising territory
Wildlife

Glasson

A pretty village on Lough Ree's shore:

Golf village
Good restaurants
Lake views

Hodson Bay

Resort area with:

Water activities
Family facilities
Lakeside dining

Hudson Bay Circular (Lough Ree)

Drive or cycle around the lake's western shore through quiet countryside.

St Faithleach's (Saints Island)

Boat trips visit monastic island ruins on Lough Ree.

Lanesborough (Northern Lough Ree)

Where the Shannon enters Lough Ree:

Traditional town
Fishing centre
Power station landmark

Return via Ballymahon (Longford)

Oliver Goldsmith connections in this quiet town.

Shannon Cruising

Athlone is a cruiser hub:

Day Boats

Hire for a few hours to explore Lough Ree.

Multi-Day Cruises

Rent a boat and cruise the Shannon:

South to Clonmacnoise
North to Carrick-on-Shannon
No experience required (training provided)

Viking Tours

Replica ship tours from Athlone.

History

Strategic Importance

Athlone was always fought over:

Ford of the Shannon
Norman castle built 1210
Jacobite siege 1691
Bridge battles

The 1691 Siege

Jacobite forces held Athlone against William III's army. The breaking of the bridge and subsequent fall is dramatised in the castle exhibition.

Walking

Town Trail

Marked heritage walk through Athlone.

Lough Ree Loop

Cycling and walking route around the lake.

Riverside Walk

Athlone to Clonmacnoise (can cycle).

Practical Tips

Sean's Bar - Worth visiting for atmosphere and certificate
Castle - Excellent for families; interactive
Cruiser hire - Book in advance during summer
Clonmacnoise - Easy day trip from Athlone
Glasson - Good lunch stop