Athlone travel guide and discussion

Dublin is a great starting point for Ireland, but there’s so much more to see once you head outside the capital. And you don’t necessarily need a car to do it. A lot of this route can be explored by train or bus, while places like Connemara and Cong can also be visited as day trips or tours. On my trip, I got to see a mix of colorful towns, everyday local streets, historic places and the dramatic landscapes of the west. These are five stops that gave me a different side of Ireland: 1. Ballinasloe 🌿 A quieter stop that gave me a glimpse of everyday Ireland away from the major tourist centers. Colorful buildings, local streets and a slower pace made it feel very different from Dublin. 2. Athlone 🏰 Right in the heart of Ireland, Athlone is a historic town on the River Shannon. I mostly wandered around and stopped at the shopping centre, but even with a simple visit, it was a nice place to experience a more local side of Ireland. 3. Galway 🎶 Galway has a completely different energy. Colorful streets, pubs, cafés, music and plenty of character make it one of those places where wandering around is part of the experience. The Latin Quarter was one of my favorite areas to explore. 4. Connemara 🏔️ This was where the scenery really changed. Mountains, lakes, open landscapes and Kylemore Abbey make Connemara feel like another world compared with the cities and towns further east. 5. Cong 🌸 A tiny village with colorful buildings, little shops and a peaceful atmosphere. Cong is also famous as one of the filming locations for The Quiet Man—although I have to admit I was too tired to make it to the actual filming locations on my visit 😂. What I liked most about this route is that not every stop felt like a major tourist attraction. Some were simply places to walk around, look at the buildings, grab something to eat or see what everyday Ireland feels like. If you're planning a trip beyond Dublin, these kinds of stops are worth leaving a little room for. 🍀 #Travel2026 #Ireland #IrelandTravel #IrelandTrip #VisitIreland #IrelandBeyondDublin #Galway #Connemara #Cong #Athlone #Ballinasloe #TravelEurope #EuropeTravel #IrishTravel #TravelInspiration

Explore Ireland's secret gardens🌱 Step into the heart of Ireland's hidden realm and experience a life away from the hustle and bustle in this nature lover's dream🍃 Cruise along scenic rivers, explore ancient trails, and stroll through charming villages full of historical charm🛶 Doesn't it already sound tempting? Come join us and uncover Ireland's hidden treasures together!🌈✨ 📍Glencar Lake, Co. Leitrim 📍Birr Castle, Co. Offaly 📍Royal Canal, Co. Longford 📍Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly 📍Lough Gur, Co. Limerick 📍Athlone Castle, Co. Westmeath 📍Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim 📍Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon 📍Killaloe, Co. Clare 📍Lough Oughter, Co. Cavan

we had our wedding anniversary and decided to spend it at the beautiful city of Athlone. After deliberations, we decided to lodge at the radisson blu hotels which had free parking and is behind the marina bay and close to the city centre. The room had a good view and I rate the hotel 4stars because their TV wasn't smart. we had a walk to the methodist church and also stayed by the marina for fresh air. The city has so much potentials and I hope the people realise it soon and work accordingly.#travel #couplestrip #thingstodo #staycation #athlone #radissonblu

#cityplaybook #familytrip #localguides #aprilblooms Nestled along the banks of the River Shannon, Athlone is a vibrant town that seamlessly blends rich history with modern charm. Often overlooked, this gem in the heart of Ireland offers a plethora of experiences for every traveler. Historic Highlights: Athlone Castle: Dating back to the 13th century, this fortress has witnessed numerous sieges and battles. Today, it houses an interactive museum detailing the town's storied past. Sean’s Bar: Recognized by the Guinness World Records as Ireland's oldest pub, established around 900 AD. Enjoy a pint where history and hospitality meet. Cultural Experiences: Luan Gallery: Situated on the riverbank, this award-winning gallery showcases contemporary art in a beautifully restored building. Dean Crowe Theatre: Once a church, now a hub for performing arts, hosting plays, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. Outdoor & Adventure: Baysports: Home to Ireland's largest inflatable waterpark, featuring slides, climbing walls, and a floating obstacle course on Lough Ree. Perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike. Old Rail Trail Greenway: A scenic cycling and walking path stretching from Athlone to Mullingar, offering picturesque views of the Midlands. Culinary Delights: The Fatted Calf: A modern Irish bistro known for its farm-to-table approach and innovative dishes. Dead Centre Brewing: A craft brewery offering guided tours, tastings, and a menu of delicious bites to pair with their beers. Festivals & Events: Athlone River Festival: Held annually in August, this event celebrates the town's connection to the Shannon with boat races, music, and family-friendly activities. Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn (May to September) offers pleasant weather, ideal for exploring both the town and its natural surroundings. Travel Tips: Athlone is well-connected by train and bus, making it an easy day trip from Dublin or Galway. Consider renting a bike to fully experience the Old Rail Trail and other scenic routes. Location: Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland #AthloneAdventures #HiddenHeartlands #RiverShannon #HistoricIreland #BaysportsFun #OldestPub #IrishCulture #CityPlaybook #ExploreAthlone #MidlandsMagic

#anniversary The hotel was spotless and the staff were incredibly friendly. The breakfast and dinners was outstanding too. Beautiful sunrise on our anniversary trip

It is a small Irish town full of charm and culture. It is located between the counties of Westmeath and Roscommon, at a former crossing point on the River Shannon, near the center of Ireland. Its castle is the most representative building in Athlone. It is of great historical importance as it was besieged during the Battle of Athlone, which pitted Catholics and Protestants against each other. Its strategic importance is due to the fact that it has one of the few bridges in the area. to cross the River Shannon, and its location just south of Loch Ree makes it a strategic point of interest. Another building worth mentioning is the church of St. Peter and St. Paul, which, due to its large size, is often confused with a cathedral and is located a few meters from the castle and next to the bridge. According to the Guinness World Records organization, Athlone is home to Europe's oldest pub, Sean's Bar, which dates back to 900 AD, surpassing the oldest bars in Europe by several hundred years. #passionpassport passionpassport #staycation #gooutside #passionpassport #ireland

Athlone experience #wintergetaway