Go car-free in Athlone

Athlone itself is a super-walkable destination. Everything you could want is located on either side of the River Shannon and it’s easy to get your bearings. A great introduction to the town is a walking tour with Athlone Guided Tours, which brings you through the history, heritage and folklore of Athlone and its surrounds.

After that, you might want refreshments… so why not mix history with a bit of leisure at Sean’s Bar, which dates back over 1,000 years. Art fans should pop their heads into the Church of St Peter and St Paul (Athlone’s cathedral) – just inside the door are stunning stained-glass windows from the illustrious Harry Clarke Studios.

Across the road, you’ll find the Luan Gallery, where contemporary art exhibitions are held in a light-filled space that overlooks the River Shannon. And don’t miss a visit to 12th-century Athlone Castle, which boasts a great multi-media presentation and knock-out views of the River Shannon from the battlements.

Traditionally, the main “town” bridge brought you from one side of town to the other, but in 2023 a new pedestrian-cycle bridge opened linking the Luan Gallery on the left bank to the Radisson Blu Hotel on the other side. Feeling hungry after your day exploring? Head to the Dead Centre Brewing Company for a craft beer and a pizza, or book into Thyme Restaurant for fine dining in elegant surroundings.

Once you’ve explored the town, it’s time to branch a little further out. First stop? Clonmacnoise. Jump on the Viking Tours Ireland replica Viking ship on the left bank of Athlone and you can travel back into the 6th century on the same journey that marauding Vikings would have taken when they attacked Clonmacnoise over the centuries. It’s a beautiful journey downstream with wildlife-rich bogland on either side. Clonmacnoise was once one of the most important seats of learning in Europe, and the ruins include a cathedral, two round towers, three high crosses, nine churches and more than 700 Early Christian grave slabs.

A different experience is on offer with the Lough Ree and Hodson Bay Cruise, which again leaves from Athlone Castle this time heading upstream and out into the lough, with more tales of Vikings and gorgeous views. It’s a wonderful way to sample the area’s scenic natural surroundings with their soft waterscapes and gentle beauty.

Want to see more of the interesting locations around Athlone? Just a 12-minute bus journey away you’ll find the village of Glasson. It’s a tiny place but well-loved for its old-world beauty and historic buildings. It’s also something of a food hub. Pop into Grogan’s for lunch in front of a roaring fire or opt for a stylish experience in the dining room of the Wineport Lodge, about a 20-minute walk from the village in a scenic spot overlooking Lough Ree.

One of the best ways to get out into the wilds and enjoy a bit of nature is with the Old Rail Trail, a 43km greenway that runs from Athlone, across the River Shannon and to the bustling town of Mullingar. It’s completely off-road and is generally very flat, making it ideal for enjoying in sections, or – if you’re feeling energetic – the entire thing. Villages, such as Moate, Streamstown and Ballinea along the way, provide ample opportunities for resting and recharging.

A great day trip from Athlone along the Old Rail Trail is the Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park, close to the town of Moate. This award-winning heritage park set in a beautiful 27-acre parkland is packed with heritage, educational, cultural and historical activities. There’s a reconstructed fisherman’s cottage, ring fort and stone circle in the heritage park, while in the amenity park, you can enjoy native wildlife species and a sensory and butterfly garden.