Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Athlone is a charming and peaceful town with a rich history and scenic beauty. Having lived here for nearly four years, I can say that while Athlone may be quiet, it offers plenty of experiences worth exploring.
Whether you’re stepping into history at Ireland’s oldest pub or cruising along the majestic River Shannon, this town has something special for every visitor.
But I would say if you’re traveling from Dublin or abroad, I won’t recommend more than a day or two in the town, as there’s not much that you can do here.
This list of things to do in Athlone comes from my personal experience and all places in the list are carefully curated.
Things To Do In Athlone
Visit Sean’s Bar – Ireland’s Oldest Pub
Let’s start our list of things to do in Athlone with the oldest pub in Ireland. Sean’s Bar is considered the oldest bar in Ireland and has a rich history, dating back to approximately 900 AD. In Sean’s Bar, you can see lots of visitors from around the globe enjoying their time in its unique atmosphere.
Sean’s Bar also holds a Guinness World Record for its age. As you can see on the google map below, the pub is a crossing point over the River Shannon. Therefore, because of its location, the bar has become a pub for lots of travelers around the globe over centuries.
The bar went through some changes over the years and now it’s a cosy spot for people to sit and enjoy exploring Irish culture.
For more information, check their official website.
Water Park at Baysports Athlone
Baysports is a sports adventure park which is in the middle of a lake. It’s a nice play to spend an exciting day full of joy and fun. I’ve recently visited the place and had a lovely weekend with my friends. You can wear life jackets and try some watersports.
For more information you can check their official website. Even if you don’t know swimming, you can try some activities as they are not risky. I’m not a swimmer though I could try most activities and it was very enjoyable. But always being careful especially with kids is necessary.
There is a part for kids and adults. You can spend an hour or more there and you’ll have a blast.
GoKarting at Elevate
Elevate Centre adds excitement to your list of things to do in Athlone. I’ve been here several times and I can attest that it has one of the best indoor Electric Go-Karting. Elevate is the first electric go-kart track in Ireland.
Elevate also offers advanced virtual reality setups where you can explore several adventures. If you have children or teenagers, they might enjoy this feature a lot. For more information, check their official website.
If you’re in a group and neither electric go-karting nor virtual reality experience is interesting, you can try laser tag, indoor mini golf, or roller disco.
Have a Boat or Cruise Tour on the River Shannon
There are boat tours on the River Shannon that are very popular among visitors. Having a boat tour on the River Shannon offers a unique perspective of the town.
Some famous attractions that you’ll get a chance to discover along your tour will be: Lough Derg (famous for its scenic beauty), Clonmacnoise (featuring a cathedral, round tower, and high crosses), and the historical spot, Athlone Castle.
To book your boat trip check this website.
Coosan Point
If you’re looking for a spot with a relaxing atmosphere in your list of things to do in Athlone, Coosan Point is exactly that place. It’s a lovely spot to sit and relax.
Lough Ree Inn is a famous cafe near Coosan Point that you might want to explore. It’s a nice pub, offering Irish cuisine in a beautiful setting. For more information about the cafe, check this website.
Kayaking at Glasson Lake – A Serene Water Adventure
Just a short drive from Athlone, Glasson Lake offers a peaceful escape for kayaking enthusiasts. With calm waters and stunning natural surroundings, it’s a great spot to paddle at your own pace and soak in the tranquility.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, the lake provides an ideal setting for a relaxing adventure. Glide through the water, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the breathtaking views of the Midlands countryside.
Visit Athlone Castle
Athlone Castle is near the city centre by the River Shannon. It is a historical place, hosting several exhibitions and interactive games for children all year round. It also features a garden that overlooks River Shannon.
There’s a entry fee for the castle that allows wider access to several areas of the castle, however, you might not want to spend money as you will have free access to some areas, including the castle ground that offers spectacular views of the River Shannon.
In fact, the admission fee is required for the visitor centre, some exhibitions, and presentations.
For up-to-date information about the opening hours and admission, check their official website.
Experience Nightlife in Athlone
Visit Piano Bar
Your list of things to do in Athlone would be incomplete without experiencing its nightlife. Piano Bar is one of those places that offers an enjoyable nightlife experience. You can enjoy live music performances and late-night DJs in Piano Bar.
Piano Bar is in three floors, nicely designed with elegance and style. It hosts several celebrations, including birthdays, engagements, and corporate events. Check their official website for more information.
Visit Peddler Mac’s Bar & Beer Garden
Peddler Mac’s also regularly hosts live music events from local bands and artists and DJ nights, offering a unique nightlife experience in a friendly atmosphere. They also offer a menu with diverse options from Irish dishes to pub classics and a selection of snacks.
Piano Bar and Peddler Mac’s are in each other’s proximity. You can check Peddler Mac’s official website for more information.
Restaurants in Athlone
Visit Colosseo Italian Restaurant
Like every Italian restaurant, Colosseo Restaurant also masters in Italian pizzas and pastas, offering a taste of Italy in the heart of Athlone. Dining options in this restaurant are diverse and the atmosphere is as friendly as the city of Sienna in Italy.
Colosseo offers you a fancy dining experience in Athlone. You can check their official website for more information.
Visit Hungry Bull for Decent Pizzas
Hungry Bull is a popular pizza food truck, offering you unique and tasty wood-fired pizzas.
Hungry Bull is only available on some days of the week so it’s better to check their official website for up-to-date information to not miss out the chance of having their delicious pizzas.
Visit Silver Oak Indian Restaurant
Silver Oak offers the flavourful taste of Indian dishes in Athlone. The atmosphere of the restaurant is friendly, making it ideal for a night with family or group gatherings.
Their menu has various vegetarian options and gluten-free choices, catering to different dietary needs.
Check their official website for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there accommodations available in Athlone?
Athlone has a range of accommodations, from hotels to guesthouses and hotels. For instance, Athlone Springs Hotel, Radisson, and Sheraton Hotel offer you a comfortable stay. You can check Booking.com for more information about accommodation in Athlone.
What dining options are available in Athlone?
There are several cafes, restaurants, and pubs in Athlone that you can enjoy.
Is there public transportation in Athlone?
Yes, Athlone has a reliable public transport system, including buses and taxis, making it a comfortable place for you.
Is Athlone family-friendly?
Yes, it offers several activities you can do with your family, such as parks and pet farms.
Conclusion
Athlone is a charming town with a rich history and cosy spots to explore.
I hope this information will be helpful for your trip there. If you plan to visit Athlone, let me know which place in the list of things to do in Athlone proved the most appealing to you?
