Substantial works and investment continue at Athlone Castle. The reopening is likely to extend into 2027, with a view to welcoming visitors back to Athlone Castle for the 2027 tourist season.
Athlone Castle, Luan Gallery, and Abbey Road Studios & Community Space are delighted to announce a two-day community exhibition showcasing work created by participants in Threads of Place. This collaborative visual arts project connects the local community with contemporary creative practice and Athlone’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre will close to the public from Sunday 19 October 2025, to allow for redevelopment works. The project will focus on revitalising Athlone Castle to provide a more enhanced visitor experience. Works will include significant upgrades to ageing utilities and mechanical systems, a reconfiguration of visitor centre layout and interpretation, and enhancements to the courtyard, reception and retail areas. The anticipated reopening is Autumn 2026, although this date is subject to confirmation.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the positions of; 2025 Seasonal Cultural Assistant at Athlone Castle, and Part-Time Caretaker with Athlone Arts & Tourism Ltd.
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre and grounds will be closed from Monday 23rd to Friday 27th December inclusive, and will re-open on Saturday 28th December and Sunday 29th December 2024. Athlone Castle Visitor Centre and grounds will be closed on Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st December 2024, and will be open on New Year’s Day, Wednesday 1st January 2025. Normal Opening Hours resume from Thursday 2nd January 2025.
Athlone Castle will transform into a magical Christmas experience on the 13th, 14th and 15th of December this year as we celebrate Christmas with all the charm and atmosphere of an historic castle.
Athlone Castle is getting ready for its Spooky Halloween trail on Thursday 31st October 2024. Children and their parents are invited to take part in the trail and meet some of the friendly resident ghosts and ghouls as they explore the haunted trail throughout the castle visitor centre.
The Historical Garden at Athlone Castle is like stepping back in time, featuring plants that would have grown in castle gardens during the Middle Ages. Medieval gardens were full of herbs, flowers, fruit trees, and bushes. Many of these plants were edible or used in cooking, while others had medicinal purposes or were used for making dyes and inks. This variety shows how military castles, like Athlone Castle, were largely self-sufficient.
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre will once again deliver an exciting programme of events during National Heritage Week from Saturday, August 17th, to Sunday, August 25th, 2024, designed to cater to all ages.
Fáilte Ireland have announced that an investment of €3.2 million will be made in Athlone Castle under the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, part of the EU Just Transition Fund. This new project will result in the delivery of interpretation, facilities, and visitor journey enhancements throughout Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.