DEATH AND DESTRUCTION

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This space provides an opportunity for thoughtful reflection as the post-siege horror unfolds. Survival was tough for people living outside the castle walls in the Connaught town. Be immersed in the harrowing sights and sounds of the aftermath of the Siege of Athlone.

Highlights from our Collection

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Sculptures of the prisoners

Did you Know Facts

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Did you know…

In 1697, a thunderbolt struck the Keep blowing up 260 barrels of gunpowder as well as thousands of grenades, musket and pistol balls that were stored inside. A century later, a new armoury magazine was built. It had an inside wall with small openings for ventilation and a thicker outside wall with a corridor between them. This clever design was meant to contain the blast and minimize damages, should an explosion happen again. No longer used to store explosives, it now houses the Death and Destruction part of our exhibition.


“Many dead bodies lay half-buried under the rubbish, more under faggots and many not to be seen under the river, whereby the stink is insufferable.’

A diary of the siege of Athlone [1691]