Athlone is fast becoming the must see destination of the Midlands and indeed Ireland. Featuring both old and new, Athlone boasts it's own "Latin Quarter" with it's fine selection of quaint book and antique shops and many fine restaurants and pubs. On the West side and at the foot of the castle you will find the legendary Seans bar, the oldest pub in Ireland dating back to 900 AD., the perfect place to rest after sightseeing and shopping among the towns many distinguished shops and shopping centres.
From an unpretentious crossing point on the Shannon, the ford of Luan, Athlone, grew to be the largest town in Westmeath.; The possession of the ford of Athlone has been disputed from earliest times. In 1001 Brian Boru marched there with a great army; in 1129 King Turlough O' Conor erected a wattle bridge there and in 1199 the Normans occupied the town and in 1257 built the town walls, part of which can still be seen. After their defeat at the Boyne in 1690, the Irish withdrew to Athlone and made the Shannon their first line of defence; however, the town eventually fell to the Williamites under Ginkel. At present Athlone is an important industrial and commercial centre. It is at the confluence of the major east-west and north-south routes and is well served by both bus and rail transport. With a population fast approaching 20,000 the town can boast a wide range of shops and services catering for all needs. Our tour will highlight the interesting history of Athlone and includes a guided town tour.
