Top 20 Things to do in Athlone

Old Rail-trail/ Greenway
The old rail trail is a 43km converted stretch of old train tracks that start in the bustling town of Athlone and continues on to Mullingar. The average cyclist will complete the ride in around 6hrs; here for a sprint and not a marathon? Section one of the track will bring you from Athlone to Moate in under 1.5hrs. The route is scenic and traffic free; Radisson Blu Athlone provide complimentary bikes on request.

Athlone Castle
The castle first built in 1210 still stands in its original position today; although with some modern additions. In 1922 when our British counterparts returned the castle to Irish hands it remained in militaria hands until 1967 when the last soldiers left and in 1969 it was handed over to the office of public works – the rest is history.
Prices:
€ 10 Adult
€7 Student
€7 Senior
€5 Children under 15
Children under 4 are free
€25 Family (2 adults & 2 children)
€32 Family (2 adults & 4 children)

Take a short cruise along the River Shannon
Take a relaxing cruise along the River Shannon in a fully enclosed heated boat.
Cruses run every weekend from May – Sep and leave dock at 3 pm sharp.
Private, public or group sailings available.
€17 pp Adults
€15 pp Senior
Free Children 0-3
€7 Children 4-16

Hire a lake side boat for the day
Have great sea legs? Then why not rent your very own lake side boat and take the family along lough Ree the second largest lake off the river Shannon only surpassed by lough Derg. Lough Ree meanders through the heart of Ireland and dotted throughout you will see many Islands including “The island of Inchcleraun (Inis Cloithreann) in the northern part of the lake is the site of a monastery founded in the early Christian era and contains the remains of several ancient churches. In Irish legends, it was on this island that Queen Maeve was killed. The Viking Turgesius controlled a ringfort on the shores until his death by drowning in Lough Owel.”
Prices catering for many boat sizes can be found on the website or by calling 087 3505250

Take a cruise along Lough Ree on the hot tub boat
Looking for a tour of the historic River Shannon steeped in history of monasteries and battles fought to the death; but also wanting a little luxury? Then why not book a ride on the hottub boat; catering for up to six people and two crew sailing from Lough Ree upon request sailings up to 90mins.

Brew your own beer at Athlone’s very own brewery – Dead Centre Brewing
Always fancied yourself a beer cognisor? Then look no further than Dead Centre Brewery, Athlone’s very own Brewery. Pop in for a quick tour and bite to eat while overlooking the River Shannon situated across the river from Athlone’s 12th century castle.

Visit Seáns Bar – Irelands oldest pub
A visit to Athlone is not complete without visiting Irelands oldest pub. Seáns bar Is located on the bend of Athlone’s 12th century castle. Tours steeped in history available or simply pop in for some “Good Ol’ Irish Craic” and an Irish trad session can be experienced on most nights.

Glendeer pet farm
Glendeer pet farm is located just outside Athlone and is open for the season until Oct 1st 2023.
Suitable for all the family and complete with a children’s playground there is something for everyone. Animal feed provided on entry so little ones can experience animals up close.
“Price: €9.50 per person, children under 18 months are free, a family of 5 is €42 and €7 for any additional children. Seasons tickets are also available for unlimited entry until Oct 1st, they are €45 each.
Times: Open from March 17th to Oct 1st, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays until May 18th. Open Mon to Sat 11am to 6pm and Sun 12pm to 6pm.”

Bay Sports
Bay sports is one of Irelands largest outdoor waterparks – complete with Ireland largest waterslide.
Suitable for all the family and accessible via a short car journey and is located at Hudson Bay Athlone
Phone: +353 90 64 94 801 to book or visit the website
Admission – 1 HOUR
Adult €25.00 Includes wetsuit hire and buoyancy aid
Child €22.50 Includes wetsuit hire and buoyancy aid, Child (up the 14 years)
€4 Visitor Pass
€2 Cloakroom

Horse riding with Athlone Equestrian
Athlone Equestrian caters for all ages and abilities, private and group bookings available. Located at Moydrum Athlone. Riding along the Moydrum countryside and past the historic ruins of Moydrum Castle this is the perfect day out.

Visit art meets culture with local artists displayed regularly at the Luan gallery
Athlone’s Luan Gallery regularly displays works of art, situated on the banks of the River Shannon adjacent to the 12th century castle and visible from the rear of Radisson Athlone the luan gallery is the perfect rainy day out.
Opening hours:
Tuesday—Saturday: 11am—5pm
Sunday: 12pm—5pm
Closed Mondays

Play a round of golf with Athlone golf club
Perfect for a golfing weekend, just a short drive from Radisson Athlone and situated on the banks of Lough Ree at Hudson Bay, only meters away from Bay Sports; Athlone golf club is the perfect group activity.
Onsite restaurant and equipment rental available.
Phone
Office (090) 6492073 / Dining (085) 2188149

Athlone Whiskey tours
There are two tours available
“The Athlone Whiskey Walking Tour and the Viking Whiskey Cruise!
On the Athlone Whiskey Walking Tour, we will take a leisurely walk around Athlone, visit some of the old historical sites associated with distilling and brewing in Athlone and journey through a range of local Irish whiskeys. You will also enjoy a delicious local chocolate pairing with one of your whiskey samples, specially made for the Athlone Whiskey Walking Tour, handcrafted by a local producer. Please get in touch for further information or to book your Athlone Walking Tour today!

The Viking Whiskey Cruise
The Viking Whiskey Cruise is available to book as a group activity and can be booked in advance for groups of 20+. Discover over 270 years of local whiskey heritage on the water, while you journey through a unique selection of Irish whiskeys from the Midland’s region.”
Kindly note that tours are seasonal and generally run from April to October with pre-booking essential.
Phone: +353 85 2380023 / E=Mail: info@midlandswhiskeyexperiences.ie

Athlone guided walking tours
“Taking place on Thursdays and Saturdays at 11.30am, Athlone Guided Tours are an eco-friendly walking tours suitable for visitors and locals alike.
The tour encompasses oral history, folklore, memories, famous residents, landmarks and placenames throughout the history of Athlone.
The group tour, led by a very enthusiastic local guide our very own Vincent Harney, is guaranteed to be the right mix of educational, fun and memorable!”
Book online – private tour bookings available
€10 pp – children free
Tours last 1 – 1.5 hrs

Viking Tours
Viking tours run by Viking Mike since 1999. Cruise the River Shannon and be enveloped in history as mike details the Viking history while you enjoy the onboard gallery, bar & shop.
Docks at the rear of Athlone’s 12th century castle Viking cruises are a family friendly day out
There are two main routes:

• Lough Ree Cruise 75 mins
• Church and headstones at Clonmacnoise – Clonmacnoise Cruise (return by bus, included) 90 mins.
• Special rates available for Radisson Athlone guests.
Call Mike on:
086 262 1136
vikingmike@vikingtoursireland.ie

Go Karting at Elevate
Elevate is Irelands most advanced indoor entertainment centre – perfect for rainy family days out.
The indoor centre consists of electric go-karts, virtual reality, crazy golf, Lazer tag and many more fun games for adventurous kids.

Irishtown, Athlone, Ireland, N37 P8P5
Phone: 353 90 645 5503
hello@elevateathlone.ie
Opening Hours
Tuesday – Friday: 2pm – 9pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11am – 7pm
Closed Monday (Except Bank Holidays)

A round of bowling at Planet Entertainment
Athlone’s only bowling alley can be found at planet entertainment making it the perfect family day out – planet have teamed up with Apache pizza and orders can be place through the onsite kiosk. Fancy a game of American pool? Planet is the place to go.
Complete with a large children’s soft play area and outdoor Astro turf football pitches there is something for everyone in every weather.

Jump for Joy soft play area for the little ones
Jump for joy is a children’s indoor play activity centre. With large slides and a soft area for little ones. Suitable for children up to thirteen.
Located a short car journey from Radisson Blu:
Monksland Industrial Estate, Athlone,
Co. Westmeath N37 FY74
090 6498 450
info@jump4joyathlone.com

Watch a movie on the big screen at IMC Cinema Athlone
Athlone IMC cinema is a perfect family day out with 6 big screens showing all the latest blockbusters and onsite snacks and nibbles. IMC Athlone can be found next door to Golden Island shopping centre and is only 10 mins walking from the Radisson Blu Hotel Athlone. Near by you will find the local river side park complete with walking trails and children’s playground.

Local walks and trails Athlone
Athlone is awash with walking trails and beautiful scenery.
The most noteworthy are:
Athlone to Mullingar greenway – 43 km of scenic peaceful purpose-built track – this will soon have a direct link to Radisson Blu Athlone when the new footbridge is complete.
6hrs to complete or as long as you wish
The Burgess Park Loop 1.4 km – This 1.4-km loop trail 5 mins from Radisson Blu Athlone is generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 20 min to complete. This trail is great for running and walking – flat ground makes this trail suitable for all the family.
The Athlone RSC loop – This 2.4-km loop trail 15 mins from Radisson Blu Athlone is generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 31 min to complete. This trail is great for running and walking. Flat ground suitable for the whole family. The onsite fitness centre has an Olympic size swimming pool, steam room, jacuzzi and sauna.