Above: Aerial shot, overseeing the town of Athlone

Brief Description

Stands where the Dublin – Galway road crosses the Shannon river. Birthplace of the tenor John McCormack. Duke of Wellington lived here for a time. The bridge in the centre of the town saw a skirmish for the crossing between Jacobites and Williamites in 1691. Gothic St. Mary’s Church on main street has associations with Oliver Goldsmith’s family.

Local Area attractions

Centre for Cabin Cruiser Hire on the Shannon river and north to Lough Ree. Good course fishing area.

Nearby Locke’s Distillery with museum at Kilbeggan.

Athlone Castle visitors centre.