Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
4.5
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:30
Wednesday
10:00 - 17:30
Thursday
10:00 - 17:30
Friday
10:00 - 17:30
Saturday
10:00 - 17:30
Sunday
11:00 - 17:30
About
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre is situated in the heart of the Midlands, on the west bank of the river Shannon adjacent to St Peter and Pauls Church and the Luan Gallery. It was reopened in November 2012 following extensive renovations. The 13th century Norman castle now boasts 8 new exhibition spaces that tell the story of the castle, Athlone town, its people and the surrounding area. The spaces have been designed to be very interactive visitor's are encouraged to get hands on and engage with the rooms as they move through them. First built in the 12th century as a timber fort, Athlone Castle evolved into a bold, defensive building. Its most significant architectural features, such as the keep, have now been harnessed to act as a dramatic backdrop to its diverse and fascinating story. The newly designed exhibition spaces pursue both a chronological and thematic sequence combining hands-on and fun experiences such as games and dress-up activities. Learn about the rich history of Athlone from pre-historic settlement right through to the modern town. Athlone was the setting for many battles down through the centuries. The most famous is the siege of Athlone in 1690 and 1691. The story of the siege and the fighting that was ongoing is brought to life at Athlone Castle through illustrations by renowned illustrator Victor Ambrus. During a spectacular 360 degree audio visual presentation, a re-enactment of the siege of Athlone is experienced. Bold sculptural forms help to convey human figures and historical milestones. 3D maps, audio-visual installations and original artifacts combine to bring the stories and characters of Athlone to life. The newest addition to the visitor centre is the display dedicated to the memory of Athlone's famous son, John Count McCormack. Here the world-renowned tenor is honored with artefacts from both his social life and musical career. At Athlone Castle you can sit down and enjoy some refreshments in the cafe area located in the reception. There is seating for 16 with extra seating outside. Visitors can also avail of audio-guides in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese. The Failte Ireland tourist office is also located in the castle courtyard. Take the opportunity to visit our sister property Luan Gallery, located just across the road. It is a modern art gallery that showcases local and national artists in a modern impressive gallery overlooking the river Shannon. Athlone hosts a number of fairs and festivals throughout the year that offer fun-filled activities for all. If you are looking for somewhere central to travel with a lot to offer, from museums and galleries to shopping, then come to Athlone, the heart of the Midlands. This renovated tourist attraction is the perfect stop off point in the heart of the Lakeland's Region of Ireland enroute to the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way and along the exciting and culturally interesting route of Ireland's Ancient East. Athlone Castle Visitor Centre is waiting for you to explore, engage and enjoy!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- Tom C1 contributionWhile in Athlone visit Athlone CastleIf you're in Athlone this is a great way to spend a hour to two. Great view of the town from the castle. It should also be noted that the oldest pub in Ireland, Seans bar, is within walking distance of the castle. Is should also be noted that the gentleman (sorry, his name escapes me) at the admissions gate was very friendly and gave us a little history primer before we went in to the castle. I think also during peak tourism months booking online is a must.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 October 2023
- jayne r1 contributionGreat staff, wonderful exhibitionsWent today with my 2 kids, an absolute gem of a place and the staff are outstanding. So friendly and patient, they made sure the kids left all excited and full of stories. Well worth a visit!Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 November 2023
- Eileen MDublin, Ireland5 contributionsExcellent 👌 well worth a visit to see Santa 🎅We went as two families to visit Santa & Mrs. Claus today at Athlone Castle. I must say it was excellent from start to finish. Had plenty of time with Santa & Mrs. Claus individually & plenty of time for photos too, with the kids on their own & with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Lot's of activities to do at different stages of the tour, which was great as kids had the opt in or out out option. To add, we got a free tour of the castle & very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff. We could stay as long as we liked, but we left after 2 hours. To top it all off we got free hot chocolate & marshmallows. It exceeded our expectations in every respect. Well done to all who work & are involved in Athlone Castle in anyway. Ye should take a bow. We will be defo back again.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 16 December 2023
- Lara SHershey, Pennsylvania197 contributionsNeat history, great museumWe enjoyed our stop here as we headed back to Dublin from Galway. The museum is neat and has a lot of interactive exhibits. The view from the castle is beautiful. We enjoyed learning about the history of the town. We spent about 2 hours here getting coffee in town first, and a pint at Sean’s Bar after.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 December 2023
- Suellen GRiverside, Rhode Island11 contributionsAthlone Castle is greatWe visited Athlone Castle today and I was really surprised by how well designed the museum was, and how much information I got from the exhibits. I learned so much about the history of Athlone as well as Irish history in general. Just a very original, informative, and entertaining museum. We were not visiting with young kids but I think they would really love all the interactive features.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 April 2024
- Marguerite B13 contributionsWell worth a visitOur trip to the castle was lovely. The visitor centre was very informative and interactive. The staff were very friendly and the views of the city were stunning. My son especially liked the life size chess game. Well worth a visit.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 16 August 2024
- Nicki PBowling Green, Ohio141 contributionsA very well put together displays and history!Very modern. Very interactive. Enthusiastic staff! Learned some facts we didn't know - even after already visiting 5 other castles during our trip. Exhibit is an addition built onto/next to the castle. No castle interior tour, but you can walk the grounds. Also Irelands oldest bar (Sean's Bar) is just down the street!Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
885 reviews
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kerrycat
Dublin, Ireland83 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Loads of information here about the local area and the conflicts it has had. But ypu see very little of the castle itself and a lot of it seems to be painted. This exhibit could be in a new building and didn't have a castle feel about it. Still it wasn't expensive and passed away an hour learning about local history.
Not something I would rush back to but if you have an hour to spare, it would be worthwhile.
Not something I would rush back to but if you have an hour to spare, it would be worthwhile.
Written 1 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan B
Dublin, Ireland95 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Visited here as it was baking hot outside and in the interpretive centre it had lovely cool air conditioning. Unfortunately that’s as good as it got. €10 in each for something I could have read on google in 15 minutes. Very little on show in the way of weapons and costumes of the day. It’s just stories printed on the walls with the odd cannonball and musket. Very disappointing as I like a bit of history but when I go to these places I like viewing the visual stuff you can’t get on google or out of a book. One other plus, the staff were very nice and friendly. Couldn’t really recommend this place at all.
Written 13 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendowlene2
Dublin, Ireland14 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Not really a castle except on the outside. Completely renovated inside with museum displays focussed on the history of Athlone. A little overpriced for €9 per adult. Nice views of town & river from the ramparts.
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Departure218473
2 contributions
May 2021
We visited Athlone castle after a walk on the river Shannon banks nature trail.
It was a lovely way to spend the day in beautiful Athlone.
The castle itself is situated in the centre of the town and is very well maintained. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The tour was well laid out, with numbered rooms as you go along (I recommend getting headsets for the tour). The view from the top of the castle also made it worth the visit.
It was a lovely way to spend the day in beautiful Athlone.
The castle itself is situated in the centre of the town and is very well maintained. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The tour was well laid out, with numbered rooms as you go along (I recommend getting headsets for the tour). The view from the top of the castle also made it worth the visit.
Written 31 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matilde
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Friends
I went to Athlone Castle two weeks ago and I found it good.
I found it nice that the course is divided into sections and it starts from the oldest part of the castle, up to the most modern (like a journey into time in the history of the castle).
The nicest part of the visit was a room that is used as a cinema, where a video that tells the whole story of the building is projected.
There I learnt about historical characters and the British invasion. I also saw fascinating clothes of the middle ages and learnt interesting facts about Ireland's history.
I found it nice that the course is divided into sections and it starts from the oldest part of the castle, up to the most modern (like a journey into time in the history of the castle).
The nicest part of the visit was a room that is used as a cinema, where a video that tells the whole story of the building is projected.
There I learnt about historical characters and the British invasion. I also saw fascinating clothes of the middle ages and learnt interesting facts about Ireland's history.
Written 10 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol K
2 contributions
Aug 2022
My husband and I took our grandchildren to visit Athlone Castle during Heritage Week. It was a wonderful experience for both young and old. It completed the jig saw as we had been to the Battle of Aughrim centre earlier in the month. The information given was concise so held the interest of our under 12s. The film showing the Siege Experience was very realistic," awesome" the 8 year old said!
The stalls were also excellent. I found the display and talk on foods in the Middle Ages very interesting and well delivered, while the boys at the stall next door were all being kitted out in Chain Mail and Suits of Armour. Unfortunately we ran out of time and had to leave but we will be back.
The only downside to our trip was the fact that the interactive Siege weapons on display did not work.
The stalls were also excellent. I found the display and talk on foods in the Middle Ages very interesting and well delivered, while the boys at the stall next door were all being kitted out in Chain Mail and Suits of Armour. Unfortunately we ran out of time and had to leave but we will be back.
The only downside to our trip was the fact that the interactive Siege weapons on display did not work.
Written 18 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlie R
1 contribution
Mar 2022
This is a fabulous museum. Someone has really put some thought and imagination into it. The timelines and interactive exhibits are superb and the sculptures reimagining historical army/mercenary uniforms are extraordinary. The Dungeon is properly creepy and the views from the battlements fantastic. Add a chatty, informative curator, and we had a really great experience. Not what we expected from Athlone, that's for sure!
Written 5 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mr P
County Cork, Ireland48 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Absolutely adored out time in Athlone Castle. From the interactive exhibits to the incredible costumes to the layout and views this is a gem.
Pricing is perfect and is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. We meandered through the exhibition for over an hour and took time to enjoy spectacular views over the river.
10/10
Pricing is perfect and is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. We meandered through the exhibition for over an hour and took time to enjoy spectacular views over the river.
10/10
Written 29 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristine B
Orlando, FL272 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
If you’re interested in the history of Athlone, specifically the Siege of Athlone in 1690-1691 then it is a must-see. Tickets can be purchased online or in the visitors centre and then there are eight different “rooms” with different exhibits and activities. They have interactive games and dress-up areas that would make it a great outing with kids (although I enjoyed a lot of the games myself!). If you’re really interested in the history and plan on reading every plaque give yourself a couple hours to spend here. The exterior of the castle is open to visitors as well, and is a great place to get pictures of the surrounding town.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellie Ward
Dublin, Ireland73 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Athlone castle is probably the only thing you will get to do in Athlone so I feel like there is a lot of improvements that can be made. The castle itself on the outside is great, the inside is a bit of a dragged out history lesson and is not very fun for young kids. It’s quite dark and scary in places specifically in the 7 minute show. The staff however, are great and very knowledgeable about the history of the castle. But they explain the interactive elements in the castle to be better than they are.
When we went the castle was empty so we pretty much had the whole thing to ourselves!
When we went the castle was empty so we pretty much had the whole thing to ourselves!
Written 2 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you visit the battlements without entering and paying for the museum?
Written 25 February 2019
We were charged 20 euro for 3 children and 2 adults. A family in Ireland is often inclusive of 2 adults and 3 children due to larger family sizes, and to be honest this is a reasonable price as the museum is interesting but small.
Written 7 November 2017
Megan C
California
Hello! This is one of the places that my fiance and I are looking at visiting while in Ireland- any idea how long we should set aside for a visit here? Would a couple of hours suffice, or is it a longer visit type of place? Thank you!
Written 21 August 2015
two hours is more than enough,you'll do it in less-a castle with a very interesting history-you'll enjoy it
Written 31 August 2015
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