Athlone Castle Visitor Centre

Standing at a strategic crossing point on the River Shannon, Athlone Castle has played a crucial role in the events that have shaped Ireland. Explore its secrets and stories, tales of battle and bloodlust, destructions and new beginnings.

The first real signs of settlement at Athlone grew up in Anglo-Norman times around the castle which was built for King John of England by his Irish justiciar Bishop John De Gray of Norwich. Though not the first castle to be built at Athlone this castle has endured like no other.

Trace the footprints of the generations who shaped this place. From early settlements and warring chieftains to foreign invaders and local heroes.

This site on the River Shannon is the centre of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.