Things To Do in Athlone, Ireland

Athlone Things To Do 

Athlone is the largest town in the Midlands Region of Ireland. The city is located on the River Shannon and entertains visitors with its bars, castles, and beautiful views of the river and surrounding countryside.

Sean’s Bar

While in Athlone, grab a drink at Sean’s Bar, which locals claim is the oldest pub in Europe. Whether or not this is true, they pour a mean Guinness, so it’s well worth a visit.

Athlone Castle

In the center of town, near the old bridge sits Athlone Castle. The castle is open for tours from May to October. Guides will show you around and teach you about the history and architecture of the castle and surrounding structures.

River Shannon

Athlone was established to support trade along the River Shannon. To this day, the river connects Athlone to other parts of Ireland and is a great place to fish, go for a boat ride, and take in the natural beauty of Athlone. The River Shannon flows through town and into a nearby lake, Lough Ree. The lake is just outside of the city and is an ideal place to take the family. In the summer months, you can swim, fish, and rent a boat.

The River Shannon and Lough Ree provide outdoor activities for travelers of all ages. When the sun sets, the River Shannon offers incredible views, especially from the restaurants and bars that line the shore. Depending upon the season, you may need to call ahead to make reservations. The downtown and waterfront can get quite busy at peak times.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Athlone.