FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Have a question? This guide will help you further.

FAQ

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What Covid-19 measures have you in place?

To ensure the health and safety of our visitors and team members, specific Covid-19 training has been carried out with all our employees and Athlone Castle Visitor Centre and its team has been awarded the Fáilte Ireland COVID-19 Safety Charter. We are committed to fully comply with all government and HSE guidelines to ensure the safety of our visitors. Read more

When is Athlone Castle open?

Athlone Castle Visitor Centre welcomes visitors all year round, with seasonal changes to opening days and times. Our Opening Hours can be found here

Do I need to pre-book?

We strongly advise visitors to pre-book online here in advance via our website to ensure entry at their preferred date and time slot. We will be monitoring capacity and allowing entry on a timed, staggered basis in line with Government Health Guidelines.

Pre-booked visitors will be allocated specific times to visit. Please ensure you arrive before your pre-booked timeslot or we cannot guarantee that you will not have wait.

If you have a specific request regarding an existing booking, please tel +353 90 6442130 or contact us by email and we will be happy to assist you further.

As a prospective visitor you can book safe in the knowledge that you have the freedom to transfer your booking to a future date if you wish within the terms of our cancellation policy.

How can I buy tickets?

We strongly advise visitors to pre-book online here in advance to ensure entry at your preferred time and date and to avoid queues.

Pre-booked visitors will be allocated specific times to visit.
If you have a specific request regarding an existing booking, please contact us +353 90 6442130 and we will be happy to assist you further.

As a prospective visitor you can book safe in the knowledge that you have the freedom to transfer your booking to a future date if you wish.

Can I book a guided tour?

Athlone Castle Visitor centre is a self-guided experience, only groups can pre-book and request a guided tour. Please tel +353 90 6442130 or contact us by email .

Do you offer discounts for groups?

Yes, group rates apply to 10 people or more. Please contact us +353 90 6442130 for more information.

What is the cancellation policy?

Visitors may cancel up to 24hrs in advance of arrival without any penalty. In the event that Athlone Castle Visitor Centre is forced to close due to any reason beyond our control, your booking can be re-scheduled, or a full refund will be issued.

What are the cleaning procedures at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre?

Athlone Castle has rigorous cleaning procedures as standard throughout. As an extra precaution, we have introduced enhanced cleaning and sanitisation protocols throughout all public areas and back of house.

  • Hand sanitisers are also available for all visitors and staff to use throughout the Visitor Centre.
  • Athlone Castle Visitor Centre will follow the latest guidance from the World Health Organisation, Irish Government Public Health and HSE, and ensure all staff are up to date with enhanced procedures across the visitor centre.
  • We have increased the frequency of cleaning throughout the Visitor Centre. Door handles and other touch points are cleaned regularly.
    The audio guides are systematically disinfected after each use.
  • Please make sure to remember to bring your own headphones with you if you intend to use our complimentary audio guides during your visit. Click here to view our Audio Guides Sanitising Procedure.
  • Specific Covid-19 training has been carried out with all our employees and Athlone Castle Visitor Centre and its team has been awarded the Fáilte Ireland COVID-19 Safety Charter. We are committed to fully comply with all government and HSE guidelines to ensure the safety of our visitors.

Should you have any other questions please contact us +353 90 6442130 and we will be happy to assist you further.

How long should I allow for a visit?

You should allocate 60 – 75 minutes.

Is the visitor centre suitable for visitors with a disability?

Yes, however, please note that the only way to enter Athlone Castle is by a relatively steep ramp which was created to keep attackers out. It is wheelchair accessible but persons with reduced mobility may need assistance. The main entrance and courtyard is on a flat surface. There are automatic doors with a push pad function to open. The interior of the visitor centre is suitable for wheelchair access with a lift accessing the upper floors. Please also note that the surface in the castle courtyard is uneven in places with steps to raised areas. Accessible toilets are available at in the Castle courtyard. There is a public parking space for persons with reduced mobility adjacent to the Castle.

For further information and booking please contact us +353 90 6442130 and we will be happy to assist you further.

As Athlone Castle is a heritage site, are there hazard warnings I need to be aware of?

We endeavour to provide a safe and healthy environment for visitors within the constraints of an historic property and as far as is reasonable and practicable.

*Hazards Warning*

Please be aware that there are uneven surfaces, steps and some low doorways on site to negotiate where care should be taken by all visitors.
Children should be supervised at all times.Climbing of approaching ramp or any of the castle walls is strictly prohibited.

Hazards warning signs

Does Athlone Castle Visitor Centre supply audio guides?

Yes, we have audio guides available at no extra charge. The audio guides are available in English, Irish, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese (Mandarin).

Due to current health restrictions and in the interest of your safety we ask that you bring your own headsets to use the audio guides.

Is it ok to take photos or to film within Athlone Castle?

Yes, unless a staff member informs you that there are specific restrictions, visitors are permitted to photograph or film Athlone Castle’s displayed collections for personal use, including for sharing on social media. Visitors may not use flash, a tripod, monopod or supplementary lighting.

No unauthorised filming is permitted in the museum, for reasons of data protection, copyright and potential health and safety.

Does Athlone Castle have bag/luggage storage facilities?

We do not have bag/luggage storage facilities.

Is there a café in Athlone Castle Visitor Centre?

We do not have a café however there are a variety of restaurants and cafes in the local area.

How do I get to Athlone Castle?

Getting to Athlone Castle is easy thanks to excellent public transport options and our close proximity to Ireland’s main motorway network. For maps and detailed instructions visit the getting here information page.

Is there car parking available?

Yes, there is public carparking alongside the Castle. Visit the parking page for information on where to park.

What else is there to visit in the area?

There’s a lot to see and do in Athlone and visiting Athlone Castle is a great starting point. Our sister venue Luan Gallery is located directly across the road and is well worth a visit. Visit the Irelands Hidden Heartlands page for more information on the area.

Where can I find information on things to do and places to eat in Athlone?

Visit the About Athlone page for more information on the area.

MORE QUESTIONS?

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If you can’t find your answer here, contact us + 353 90 6442130

We endeavour to provide a safe and healthy environment for visitors within the constraints of an historic property and as far as is reasonable and practicable.

Hazards Warning

null
Please be aware that there are uneven surfaces, steps and some low doorways on site to negotiate where care should be taken by all visitors. Children should be supervised at all times.

Climbing of approaching ramp or any of the castle walls is strictly prohibited.

Hazards warning signs