Where History Comes Alive

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Trace the footprints of the generations who shaped this place. From early settlements and warring chieftains to foreign invaders and local heroes. This site on the River Shannon is the centre of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
A young boy dressed as a King and his friend dressed as a Jester look down on to Athlone Castle’s courtyard.

Welcome

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Standing at a strategic crossing point on the River Shannon, Athlone Castle has played a crucial role in the events that have shaped Ireland. Explore its secrets and stories, tales of battle and bloodlust, destructions and new beginnings. Let the experience begin….

Athlone Castle Membership Card
Athlone Castle’s Annual Membership

Membership to Athlone Castle Visitor Centre provides unlimited free museum entry, discounts, and exclusive event invitations.

A young king looks down upon the castle courtyard at Athlone Castle
Plan your Visit

Each year we welcome thousands of visitors to Athlone Castle. Let us help you plan your visit to suit your needs.

Athlone Castle tour guide presenting one of the stone slabs from early Christian times on display in the Early Settlement exhibition at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.
Collection Highlights

To help make your visit more memorable we have highlighted items not to miss from our museum collection, many of which tell a fascinating story.

A stunning sculpture of Marqius d’Usson of the Jacobite army during the Siege of 1691 in Athlone. Made out of recycled materials he stands tall and proud in the People of the Siege exhibition at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.
The Siege of Athlone

Learn about The Williamite Wars that brought soldiers from across Europe to fight on this site, culminating with the Great Siege of Athlone in 1691.

Athlone Castle Membership Card
Athlone Castle’s Annual Membership

Membership to Athlone Castle Visitor Centre provides unlimited free museum entry, discounts, and exclusive event invitations.

A young king looks down upon the castle courtyard at Athlone Castle
Plan your Visit

Each year we welcome thousands of visitors to Athlone Castle. Let us help you plan your visit to suit your needs.

Athlone Castle tour guide presenting one of the stone slabs from early Christian times on display in the Early Settlement exhibition at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.
Collection Highlights

To help make your visit more memorable we have highlighted items not to miss from our museum collection, many of which tell a fascinating story.

A stunning sculpture of Marqius d’Usson of the Jacobite army during the Siege of 1691 in Athlone. Made out of recycled materials he stands tall and proud in the People of the Siege exhibition at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.
The Siege of Athlone

Learn about The Williamite Wars that brought soldiers from across Europe to fight on this site, culminating with the Great Siege of Athlone in 1691.

A young visitor sits on his throne as he becomes King of Athlone Castle

KIDS CORNER

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Enjoy our free fun online activities for all the family, before or after your visit. Explore our engaging and educational fact sheets and activity pages. Get creative with crafts projects inspired by the rich history of Athlone. Listen to stories from the castle and learn how to conduct an archaeological excavation at home or in the back garden. Find Out More

HISTORY OF ATHLONE CASTLE

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The first real signs of settlement at Athlone grew up in Anglo-Norman times around the castle which was built for King John of England by his Irish justiciar Bishop John De Gray of Norwich. Though not the first castle to be built at Athlone this castle has endured like no other. Read More

HISTORY OF ATHLONE

UPCOMING EVENTS

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WHAT’S NEW

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Celebrate Heritage Week with Athlone Castle from 17th - 25th August 2024

Heritage Week 2024

Athlone Castle Visitor Centre will once again deliver an exciting programme of events during National Heritage Week from Saturday, August…

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