Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre: Hours, Address, Athlone Castle Visitor Centre Reviews: 4.5/5
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
4.5
10:00 - 17:30
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
814 reviews
Excellent
398
Very good
288
Average
104
Poor
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Terrible
7
sheilaumera1
Dublin, Ireland10 contributions
May 2022
Very knowledgeable guide who gave loads of information about local walks etc.
Test you strength and lift a sword. Lots of games for the younger ones and interactive information.
Test you strength and lift a sword. Lots of games for the younger ones and interactive information.
Written 16 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lily R
2 contributions
May 2022 • Family
We loved the experience! Stayed overnight in Athlone for convenience before continuing our trip, and loved experiencing Athlone Castle. There were aspects that suited each member of our party, which was great. My parents loved the audio guides that gave them even more information than was displayed in the exhibits (these are available in multiple languages), and my young nephews (4 and 6) were drawn to the more interactive sections.
They loved the “Capture the Castle” educational game, trying the mangonel, building a castle and building Athlone Castle activity, as well as trying their strength at pulling a long bow and a crossbow. Some sections are a little dark and intimidating, so the younger one bowed out, but it was perfect for the 6 year old. Fantastic history lesson for home school kids!
It’s worth it for the views alone! We basically had the place to ourselves.
They loved the “Capture the Castle” educational game, trying the mangonel, building a castle and building Athlone Castle activity, as well as trying their strength at pulling a long bow and a crossbow. Some sections are a little dark and intimidating, so the younger one bowed out, but it was perfect for the 6 year old. Fantastic history lesson for home school kids!
It’s worth it for the views alone! We basically had the place to ourselves.
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
code pvp i
Dublin 178 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
The fact that it's so interactive fun for the kids no matter what age west-facing are so friendly not afraid to answer questions if u have any...
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
janetheafey
County Tipperary, Ireland5 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Excellent exhibition, well worth a visit. This is a must for anyone interested in history. There’s plenty for the kids to enjoy too.
Written 22 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lildebbie77
Alabama42 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
Visited the castle today with a group of 18 touring the countryside. Well worth a stop, we spent about an hour to an hour and a half on site viewing the newly updated visitor center. There are several exhibits that take you through the history, with interactive parts that are suitable for kids teenagers and all ages. The views of the Shannon are magnificent. Plenty to do in the area as well, but make sure to stop and check this one out.
Written 31 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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.
Ellie Ward
Blanchardstown, Ireland17 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.
SiobhanCr
Westport, Ireland6 contributions
Feb 2022
great interactive displays. great wet day activity especially if you like history.go to the top for lovely views. very friendly staff
Written 1 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lia M
Province of Munster, Ireland188 contributions
Jan 2022
Beautiful place to look at. Especially from over the bridge at the wall you get a beautiful view of the town, the castle and the river. Worth a visti
Written 10 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Archaeobuff
Sydney, Australia1,870 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, VA334 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
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