CASTLE COURTYARD

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Experience the majesty of the courtyard at Athlone Castle and enjoy its panoramic views of Athlone.

CASTLE COURTYARD

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Athlone Castle keep surrounded by blue skies on another glorious bright and sunny day in the castle courtyard.

There is so much to see and do whilst enjoying a visit to Athlone Castle.

The courtyard of Athlone Castle has seen countless changes occur in the last 810 years. The stone Keep which now occupies a central position in the courtyard still retains part of the original 13th century structure.

Today, the courtyard acts; as a meeting place, a picnic spot, a viewing point over the majestic River Shannon, an area in which to unwind and savour the atmosphere of what once was a marvel of architecture.

Explore the courtyard and you’ll find areas relatively untouched throughout its history. Take the time to visit the upper battlements and soak in the unrivalled views over the town of Athlone and the River Shannon.
From here you will see why this place was chosen as the site for a medieval stronghold. Learn about the history of Athlone’s historic past.

Athlone Castle volunteer Henry takes visitors on a journey throughout the history of the town of Athlone and tells the stories these tall walls once witnessed.
A picture perfect moment to capture a stunning view of St Peter and Paul’s church from the upper battlements at Athlone Castle on a glorious sunny day.
A couple reading about Athlone Castle location and history from our information boards on the upper battlements all while taking the wonderful views of the town itself

Below the battlement level, learn and play by becoming a chess master at our outdoor 3-D chess area. Get locked up in our Medieval stocks. Enjoy a picnic whilst admiring the majestic stone Keep. Picture yourself as a Jacobite gunner in charge of our two cannons.

A man dressed in medieval clothing playing giant chess
Four ladies and one gentleman sitting at a picnic bench in Athlone Castle courtyard, dressed in medieval outfits while enjoying a medieval feast.
Three visitors dress up in medieval costumes are having fun with replica stocks at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
A family of four enjoying a game of Tumble Tower on a nice Summers day at the picnic benches in the Castle courtyard during the Traditional Games Day.
A young visitor pretends he’s an heroic Knight at Athlone Castle

Admire the strong defensive walls that surround the castle courtyard that were built and strengthened during the Napoleonic Era. From a new vantage point, feel yourself standing in charge as you gaze upon the landscape below, where the ancient ford used to be, and the pop of bright colour of Athlone’s historic quarters.

Events

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The courtyard of Athlone Castle has also played host to many outdoor activities and events such as the iconic Medieval Fair, talks and exhibitions, poetry and musical recitals. There is always something going on in the courtyard of Athlone Castle.

Onlookers are entertained by three fighters dressed in full medieval costume taking part in a sword fight as part of our Annual Medieval Fair at Athlone Castle courtyard.
A crowd of visitors enjoying a special performance from a mime dressed in a black and white costume and face paint, as he entertains everyone with his act as part of our Poetry in the Park event at Athlone Castle courtyard.
Seattle Police Pipe and Drum Band entertain onlookers from the upper battlements with a live band performance from the castle courtyard on a nice Summer’s day.
Onlookers are entertained by three fighters dressed in full medieval costume taking part in a sword fight as part of our Annual Medieval Fair at Athlone Castle courtyard.
A crowd of visitors enjoying a special performance from a mime dressed in a black and white costume and face paint, as he entertains everyone with his act as part of our Poetry in the Park event at Athlone Castle courtyard.
Seattle Police Pipe and Drum Band entertain onlookers from the upper battlements with a live band performance from the castle courtyard on a nice Summer’s day.
VIEW EVENTS