Athlone Town Map

Discover Athlone, Ireland

Athlone invites you to explore its historic riverside setting at Ireland's geographic center, where the River Shannon divides County Westmeath from County Roscommon. This strategic crossroads town blends medieval heritage with contemporary culture, offering Viking history, Norman fortifications, award-winning restaurants, and scenic trails along the Shannon and Lough Ree. Use our free downloadable Athlone map to plan your visit—from the 13th-century castle overlooking the river to Ireland's oldest pub, riverside walking routes, and Michelin-recognized dining. Located just 126 km west of Dublin and 85 km east of Galway, Athlone serves as the perfect base for discovering Ireland's Hidden Heartlands.

Download Athlone Map (PDF)

[Download Athlone Map (PDF)]

Navigate Athlone with ease using our comprehensive town map, available for instant download. Perfect for both mobile devices and printing, this map highlights key attractions, walking routes, parking areas, dining locations, and landmarks across both sides of the River Shannon. Plan your journey through Ireland's historic midlands with all essential locations marked for convenient offline access.

Things to Do in Athlone

Athlone Castle & Visitor Centre
This imposing 13th-century Norman fortress built for King John commands views over the River Shannon. The castle features eight exhibition galleries with 360-degree projections and 4D soundscapes chronicling the 1691 Siege of Athlone, when 12,000 cannonballs bombarded the town. Note: The castle closes October 19, 2025 for redevelopment until Autumn 2026. Adult admission €10, children €5 when operational.

Sean's Bar
Experience Ireland's most historic pub, established in 900 AD with 9th-century wattle and wicker walls still visible. Enjoy traditional Irish music sessions seven nights weekly in this atmospheric venue on Main Street, recognized by Lonely Planet among the world's most incredible bars.

Luan Gallery
Ireland's first purpose-built municipal art gallery in the Midlands offers free admission Tuesday through Sunday. This award-winning 2012 building showcases contemporary Irish and international visual art in rotating exhibitions along the riverfront.

Viking River Cruises
Explore Lough Ree on 75-minute cruises departing from Athlone Castle quayside (€15 adults, €7 children). The historic timber vessel sails upstream to Hodson Bay or downstream to the spectacular 6th-century Clonmacnoise monastic ruins with live commentary on local history and wildlife.

Baysports Aqua Park
Located at Hodson Bay, this seasonal waterpark holds the Guinness World Record for tallest floating waterslide at 12.54 meters. Activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, dragon boat racing, and dedicated junior areas for ages 2-6.

Church of Saints Peter and Paul
Admire the twin baroque revival towers and stunning stained glass windows by Harry Clarke Studio at this 1932-1939 landmark dominating Athlone's skyline.

Shopping Districts
Browse Athlone Towncentre with 60+ retailers including Zara, H&M, and Marks & Spencer, or visit Golden Island Shopping Centre featuring Tesco, Penneys, and a 6-screen cinema.

Walking & Cycling Routes

Old Rail Trail Greenway (42km, 2-4 hours)
This paved, off-road cycling route follows the historic railway corridor from Athlone to Mullingar, connecting to the award-winning Royal Canal Greenway. Flat and suitable for all abilities, with the Athlone-Moate section (8km) perfect for shorter family outings. Bike rentals available via Moby bikes app for €1/hour.

Shannon Banks Nature Trail (5km loop, 1.5 hours)
Starting at Athlone Castle's rear, this easy paved riverside walk follows the Shannon and old canal with interpretive boards explaining local flora, fauna, and fish species. Accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Portlick Millennium Forest Trail (5km, 1-1.5 hours)
Located 8km north of Athlone, this woodland trail through native hazel and ash forest along Lough Ree shores passes medieval Portlick Castle. Spring visitors enjoy spectacular displays of bluebells, primrose, and violet.

For comprehensive trail maps and detailed routes, visit Discover Ireland Walking Trails.

Annual Events & Festivals in Athlone

Viking River Fest (August)
The August Bank Holiday weekend transforms the riverside with Viking ship displays, historical reenactments, boat races, artisan markets, storytelling, and live music celebrating Athlone's Norse heritage.

Athlone Christmas Market (December)
Browse festive stalls featuring local food producers, artisan chocolates, handmade gifts, and Christmas decorations in John Count McCormack Civic Square (typically December 12-15) with carol singers and family entertainment.

Dead of Night Halloween Festival (October)
Experience spooky celebrations throughout the last week of October with themed events, entertainment, and activities across town.

Croílár Arts and Music Festival (April)
This spring festival showcases local and national talent with performances, exhibitions, and cultural programming throughout Athlone's venues.

Athlone Film Festival (Various dates)
Annual celebration of independent cinema featuring screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and workshops for aspiring film enthusiasts.

Where to Stay and Eat in Athlone

Athlone offers accommodation ranging from 4-star riverside hotels like Radisson Blu Hotel and Sheraton Athlone Hotel (featuring Sirana Spa and indoor pools) to over 24 charming bed and breakfasts including The Bastion B&B in the historic Left Bank area and riverside Shannonside House. Self-catering apartments provide additional options within walking distance of attractions.

The town has earned recognition as the "Gourmet Capital of the Midlands" with Thyme Restaurant holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand in the 2025 Guide for chef-owner John Coffey's seasonal Irish cuisine. Other notable dining includes The Fatted Calf for modern Irish fare, Left Bank Bistro (established 27+ years), Dead Centre Brewing for award-winning craft beer and pizza, Kin Khao Thai for authentic regional Thai, and Il-Colosseo for Italian cuisine. Traditional pub experiences await at Sean's Bar, complemented by numerous cafés and restaurants along both banks of the Shannon.

Nearby Town Maps

Explore the surrounding midlands region with our detailed town maps:

• Moate Town Map – 15km east in County Westmeath
• Mullingar Town Map – 32km northeast in County Westmeath
• Ballinasloe Town Map – 26km west in County Galway
• Roscommon Town Map – 32km north in County Roscommon
• Tullamore Town Map – 34km southeast in County Offaly

Return to our complete Ireland Town Maps collection to discover more destinations across the country.

Contact & Map Attribution

Map courtesy of MyGPSTools.com — compiled by MyGPSTools. For more information about our mapping services and to explore Ireland's best destinations, visit our About page or browse our Events Calendar for upcoming festivals and activities.

Whether you're seeking Viking heritage, medieval history, award-winning cuisine, or scenic trails along Ireland's longest river, Athlone directions lead you to authentic experiences at the heart of Ireland. Download your free Athlone map today and start exploring where Ireland's past and present converge.