Athlone is one of the most beautiful towns in Ireland that is known for its historical and cultural values as well as stunning nature. Athlone is situated on the River Shannon and is famous for its historical places, active art life, and beautiful nature views. No matter if you visit castles that are hundreds of years old, sail on calm lakes or appreciate modern art, there is so much to do. This article focuses on the best activities in Athlone so that you get the most out of your Irish vacation. Starting from the oldest pub in Ireland, to monastic ruins, and the luxurious hotels, Athlone is a place that offers something for any traveler.

Visit Athlone Castle

Exploring the Athlone Castle is among the top activities to do in Athlone since it provides an insight into the towns history. This is a medieval castle situated along the shores of the River Shannon; this castle has been taken through a process of reconstruction and has information centers with audio visual means that help in visualizing the past. The castles towers, battlements, and dungeons are open for visitors; there are multimedia presentations and interesting shows about historical events. The castle also provides beautiful scenery of the river and the area, thus it will be ideal for photography as well as history lovers. Finally, Athlone Castle is one of the most interesting places that any tourist with an interest in Irish history definitely has to visit.

Explore the River Shannon

Taking a boat ride on River Shannon is one of the most recommended activities in Athlone as it offers a peaceful boat ride into the interior. The river is the longest in Ireland and provides a lot of possibilities for boat rides; this way the tourists will be able to see the beautiful landscapes of the Irish countryside and the significant landmarks by the river. Other activities include kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, and other activities that give a closer look at the river. Promenade along the riverside is ideal for a romantic walk, this area has beautiful places for a picnic and to take a photo. The River Shannon is a must-see attraction in Athlone because of the calm waters and scenic beauty of the area.

Discover Sean's Bar

The visit of Seans Bar that is considered the oldest pub in Ireland is an exciting journey in the world of stories and traditions. Dating back to about 900 AD, Seans Bar is not just an ordinary pub to have a beer but it is a bar with history and culture where people can also find a number of relics and legends. The pub has a very homely feel to it with traditional Irish music played by the locals thus creating the Irish hospitality touch. It has information on the historical background of the bar and its various transformations over the course of the centuries. The history and lively atmosphere of Seans Bar make it a famous place to visit for any tourists in Athlone.

Enjoy a Cruise on Lough Ree

Boating on Lough Ree is one of the top activities you can engage in when in Athlone and is more of a leisurely activity. Lough Ree or the Lake of Kings is a perfect place for the boat trip as it provides a great opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna as well as the views of the area. There are normally guided tours on cruises that give interesting information about the history and geography of the lake. If you want to enjoy the beautiful view of Athlone or simply want to get to know more about the area, then taking a cruise on Lough Ree is one of the best things to do in the place.

Visit the Luan Gallery

The Luan Gallery is among the places that art lovers should not miss while in Athlone. Located on the shores of the beautiful River Shannon this modern art gallery displays a wide variety of paintings and sculptures by artists from Limerick, Ireland and the world over. The gallery has a variety of exhibitions that changes every so often; the available mediums include paintings, sculptures, and photographs among others. The new structure and the beautiful location by the river add to the experience, and the Luan Gallery is a gem of culture in Athlone. Regardless of being a fan of art or simply passing by the gallery, the visitors are welcome to enjoy the works of artists.

Walk Through Dn na S Amenity & Heritage Park

Strolling around in it is one of the best things to do in Athlone that combines history and nature. This park has historical showings, Irish arts and crafts, and replicas of old structures that were there before the construction of the park. Trails for nature walks pass through the forest, marshland, and meadows for tourist to take a leisurely walk and perhaps view some wildlife. It also offers various fun activities that families can participate in as well as programs that are held in different seasons, thus making it appealing to families.

Explore Clonmacnoise Monastic Site

Visiting Clonmacnoise Monastic Site is one of the must do activities in Athlone as it provides an insight of early Christian Ireland. Founded in the 6th century, this is one of the best preserved monastic sites in Ireland with many fine examples of churches, round towers and high crosses. The centre offers specific information and guided tours which helps in the appreciation of the sites historical value. The beautiful location on the river and the history of the place make Clonmacnoise one of the most interesting attractions in Athlone.

Play Golf at Athlone Golf Club

Golfing at Athlone Golf Club is a great experience for any sports loving tourists who will be visiting the region. This is an 18-holes course situated at the shores of Lough Ree and has challenging playing ground and beautiful scenery. This club boasts of well-developed amenities such as the clubhouse, pro shop and practice amenities. Athlone Golf Club provides a good round of golf for the experienced players and at the same time the beginners could also feel the pleasure of playing golf here.

Experience the Athlone Equestrian Centre

It is exciting to avail the services of the Athlone Equestrian Centre to be engaged in outdoor activities and be in touch with nature. The center provides horse riding lessons, trail riding, and pony camps for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders. Professional teachers guarantee that all the clients who ride the horses get to do so safely and that they have fun. The excellent grooming of the area and the beautiful paths make Athlone Equestrian Centre suitable for families and other riders.

Conclusion

It has various activities that are suitable for various interests, historical and cultural, natural and scenic, adventure and recreational. The ancient Clonmacnoise Monastic Site is a must visit attraction but one can also take a leisurely boat cruise on Lough Ree, explore the arts at Luan Gallery and many more. The best things to do in Athlone are a blend of activities that will make you cherish the experience through vibrant history, culture and natural scenery. When you are planning for a visit to Athlone, you should prepare yourself for the special features that make Athlone to be among the special places to visit in the entire Ireland.