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!
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.5
846 reviews
Excellent
417
Very good
296
Average
108
Poor
17
Terrible
8
Deirdre P
Kentstown149 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
Poped in here to kill some time while in Athlone. Self guided tour. Very interactive and great games for kids to play. Giant Chess, Conect 4, among others.
Staff very friendly and informative.
Staff very friendly and informative.
Written 7 May 2023
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.
Harry B
New Orleans, LA4 contributions
May 2022
A really well done, "medieval yet modern" museum with engaging exhibits that bring the history of the area alive. Very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff. Exceeded our expectations in every respect.
Written 28 February 2023
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.
Danielle
Port Elizabeth, South Africa2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
A really well maintained interactive outing! Staff were friendly and informative. Mostly indoor displays which makes it an excellent rainy day activity.
Written 19 January 2023
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.
RozzyW
Tampa, FL282 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Outside there are vast views of town below. The outside of castle is impressive. Interesting history of the castle given during the short tour. Otherwise when inside one can barely tell this was a castle. I would not spend time on this unless you are a castle-fanatic.
Written 4 December 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.
StephenCross
Dublin, Ireland18,000 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Athlone Castle is an expensive place to visit at €10 for an adult to enter. The experience is. It really worth that price. Would rather they sought donations.
Written 5 November 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.
Elle702
Hampshire, UK11 contributions
Oct 2022
Excellent visitor centre with exceptionally helpful and informative staff. Interesting exhibits with history of castle and surrounding area which gives an amazing insight into Irish history.
Written 20 October 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.
Bee
Galway, Ireland79 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
Lovely castle and great knowledge available to visitors. Parking was easy and easy access to athlone town from.her by walking and by driving
Written 15 October 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.
Scott Kerrison
Oslo, Norway23 contributions
Sep 2022
An important historical location with plenty of information, although the experience was a little rough around the edges. Several of the interactive displays did not work and the loud volume of the audio across multiple exhibits in the keep made it difficult to focus on what was being said, which might be even worse for those who don't have English as a first language.
Written 7 October 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.
Jessica F
Isle of Man, UK3 contributions
Sep 2022
Small but steeped in history. great location and right over the bridge from the Radisson Blu Hotel where we stayed. Would recommend doing the Viking Cruse to Clonmacnoise after the castle to complete a full days excursion./
Written 3 October 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.
Richard P
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Couples
Really well done exhibitions, very informative and plenty of interactive exhibits and hands-on things for the kids. Staff very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.
Written 29 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.
Archaeobuff
Sydney, Australia2,011 contributions
Can you visit the battlements without entering and paying for the museum?
LilianChloe
Erre, France146 contributions
Yes you can.
Hi how much does it cost for an adult 3 children aged 19 mths 9yr old & 14yr old
Jim P
Elkton, VA341 contributions
Regular adult was around 10 dollars, Children 5, not sure what the minimum age was
athlonecastle has a website.
Is it wheelchair friendly?
LilianChloe
Erre, France146 contributions
Yes, there are elevators.
Phyl F
Newry, UK6 contributions
How much is the entry fee
CynthiaClarke
Castlecomer, Ireland49 contributions
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.
Phyl F
Newry, UK6 contributions
How much is the entry fee
Admission to the visitor centre is €8 for adults, €6 for Seniors and students and €4 for under 15's. Under 4 are free admission.
Hope this helps
Colin,
Athlone Castle
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!
urseylynch
Dundalk, Ireland17 contributions
two hours is more than enough,you'll do it in less-a castle with a very interesting history-you'll enjoy it
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ATHLONE CASTLE VISITOR CENTRE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
- Athlone Castle Visitor Centre is open:
- Sun - Sun 11:00 - 17:30
- Tue - Sat 10:00 - 17:30
- Hotels near Athlone Castle Visitor Centre:
- (0.17 km) Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone
- (0.14 km) Bastion B&B
- (0.23 km) The Prince of Wales Hotel
- (0.12 km) The Bailey Bar & Lounge
- (0.11 km) Murphy's Law
- Restaurants near Athlone Castle Visitor Centre:
- (0.04 km) My Melody Bistro
- (0.04 km) Mother India
- (0.05 km) Nave coffee shop
- (0.14 km) Bacchus Restaurant
- (0.09 km) Bastion Kitchen