Athlone - Tourism and Amenities

Tourism and Amenities

The River Shannon runs through Athlone and the town is a popular spot for people passing through on pleasure craft, many of whom stop off at the Marinas. Lough Ree, the largest lake on the Shannon, is a short distance upstream from Athlone to the North of the town, and is popular among anglers, birdwatchers, and swimmers. The lake shore is easily accessed from Coosan Point, and Hodson Bay. The town is also home to Lough Ree Yacht Club. The promenade is also a popular spot for anglers.

Owing to its easy accessibility, and large choice of shops, Athlone is the main retail destination for residents in the Midlands area of Ireland. The vibrant town centre extends from Church Street in the west to Sean Costello Street in the East. It is flanked by the Athlone Town Centre, a modern (2007) shopping centre with 54 shops, cafes and the four star Sheraton Athlone hotel it is the largest shopping and leisure centre in Ireland, outside Dublin. South of the city centre is the other Athlone shopping centre, The Golden Island Shopping Centre, which opened in 1997.

Athlone Regional Sports Centre is a facility (established May 2002) developed by the Town Council,this facility has a swimming pool, gym and astro turf pitches.

Sean's Bar, located on the west bank of the river, is listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest pub in Europe.

Athlone Castle has reopened as of 2012 following a multi-million euro renovation to transform the castle into a state-of-the-art, multi-sensory visitor experience. It features eight newly designed exhibition spaces pursue both a chronological and thematic sequence including 3D maps, audio-visual installations and illustrations by renowned illustrator Victor Ambrus (best known for his work on Channel 4’s Time Team).

Many boat hire companys work from here including athlonecruisers, the oldest hire boat company on the River Shannon, Other popular attractions for visitors are the Glendeer Open Farm and the Viking Cruise of the Shannon. The town's tourist office is located at Church Street.