Claddagh ring blog - Athlone Ireland

THE CENTRE OF IRELAND ATHLONE.



Athlone town is located on the boundaries of two counties, Westmeath and Roscommon. It is a great location for touring holidays. Athlone has a local exciting energy. It is often known as a 'Gateway to the West'. Its location on the River Shannon makes it popular for pleasure boats and cruises. The town's riverside location (opening onto nearby Lough Ree) is one of its attractions. Its natural beauty . Athlone feels honoured to be the centre of Shannon Cruising and its hire boats are available for day trips and longer tours. The RTE All-Ireland Drama Festival takes place annually in the town. The Athlone Literary Festival is also an annual event. It began in 1999, originally as a weekend celebration of the life and works of John Broderick.
Athlone is the centre of Ireland. It is the perfect base to escape, explore and enjoy its culture, great days and nights. A perfect place for family. It has one of the world's largest waterslide based at 'Bay Sports'. Bay Sports is a playground for children and adults alike. Never mind weather! with a wetsuit on, you're guaranteed a very exciting adventure.
SAIL - Ireland's longest river. Get on board for an experience like no other. Set sail in a 21 metre long replica of a Viking Knarr south down the River Shannon or North to Lough Ree and the Lake of Kings.
CYCLE - Ireland's newest greenway. The Old Rail Trail is a cycling route the whole family will love. It follows the old railway line from Athlone to Mullingar. There are no hills so it's easy on little legs and there is an abundant amount of places to stop and explore along the journey.
EXPLORE - Ireland's richest monastic settlement. Clonmacnoise was born in Early Christian Ireland. With two excellently preserved round towers and high crosses. A part of Ireland's Ancient East.
SOAR - Through Ireland's first high-wire aerial forest adventure. An hour's drive north of Athlone, arrive at ' Lough Key Forest Park'. Walk among the treetops on Ireland's only canopy walk. Then why not spend hours sailing through the trees at speed on zipline circuits built for adrenaline lovers.
CLIMB - Ireland's most fortified castle. Experience the history of the Ancient East of Ireland. Athlone Castle invites you to climb its steps to the castle keep and enjoy the views across the breathtaking River Shannon or climb higher to the castle battlements and look across the rooftops of the entire town.
ENJOY - Finally enjoy Ireland's oldest pub. Sean's Bar is a place steeped in history. Enjoy its nightly live music, laughter. Don't forget to enjoy a pint of Guinness or an Irish Coffee. A visit to the Kilbeggan distillery is not to missed.
Athlone has many other interesting places for children and adults alike. Its only an hour from Galway also an hour from Dublin. Catch a train and watch the green countyside pass you by. Relax and enjoy. Soak up its atmosphere.

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