Athlone Castle

STEP BACK IN TIME AT ATHLONE CASTLE

Athlone castle was built for King John of England by his Irish justiciar Bishop John De Gray of Norwich. It has many of the characteristics of a Napoleonic fortification as it was remodelled during that period to defend the crossing point of the Shannon. This Norman Castle, dating from the 13th century, dominates the town and was central to the siege of Athlone in 1961.

The castle celebrated its 800th Anniversary in 2010. The facilities are once again being re-developed to bring the standards of interpretation and display in line with the visitor expectations of the twenty-first century. The Keep of the Castle will be used to tell the dramatic story of the famous Siege of Athlone while the other buildings will house a modern interpretative centre focusing on Athlone, the Castle and the periods both before and after the Siege. There will also be a new presentation on the life and times of John Count McCormack Athlone’s most famous export.

Tel: +353 90 6442130

Email:info@athlonecastle.ie