Athlone Itineraries
Half a day or a full weekend. Here are the best ways to spend your time in Athlone, planned step by step.
Whether you have a few hours or a full weekend to explore, these itineraries give you a local’s route through Athlone. Each one links directly to the restaurants and activities along the way.
Half a Day in Athlone: the Left Bank, Sean's Bar and Dinner
If you have an afternoon and evening in Athlone, spend it where the town began: the Left Bank, the crossing point that gives Athlone its name, its oldest pub and its heritage quarter, followed by a proper dinner at one of the Left Bank kitchens. Compact, walkable, and built around the river.
- 114:30·1 hour
Wander the Left Bank and the castle exterior
Start on the west bank at Athlone Castle. Its visitor centre is closed for redevelopment, but the keep and St Peter's Square are still worth a look from outside, and it sets the scene for the crossing the whole town grew up around. Walk on to the Luan Gallery on Elliott Road for free contemporary art in a modern space.
View Luan Gallery - 215:30·45 minutes
A pint at Sean's Bar
Walk to Sean's Bar, dated to around 900 AD by the National Museum of Ireland and Guinness World Records, one of the oldest pubs in Europe and the actual site of the original ford crossing the town is named for. Look for the 10th-century wattle-and-wicker walls uncovered in 1970, on display behind glass.
View Sean's Bar - 316:30·1 hour
A stretch of the Old Rail Trail Greenway
Walk or cycle a short stretch of the Old Rail Trail Greenway from near the railway station, a flat, traffic-free former railway line that is Athlone's best easy outdoor escape, before heading back into town for dinner.
View Old Rail Trail Greenway - 419:00·2 hours
Dinner on the Left Bank
Finish with dinner at Left Bank Bistro, cooking since 1995 with views across the old lock to the castle. Book ahead, especially for a table with the view.
View Left Bank Bistro
A Full Day in Athlone: Lough Ree, the Greenway and the Table
A full day that takes in the three sides of Athlone: the water that gives the town its cruising-hub identity, the Old Rail Trail Greenway on dry land, and a good dinner back on the Left Bank to finish. It leans on the boat season, April to October, so plan accordingly.
- 110:00·1.5 hours
Viking Tours cruise on Lough Ree
Start on the water with Viking Tours' replica-longship cruise onto Lough Ree, departing from beside Athlone Castle on the Quay. Live commentary covers local history and the lake's monastic island settlements. Runs April to October; book ahead and check the sailing.
View Viking Tours: Daily Lough Ree Cruise - 212:30·1 hour
Lunch at Dead Centre Brewing
Back on dry land, have lunch at Dead Centre Brewing on Custume Pier, Athlone's own brewery and gastropub overlooking the Shannon, with its beer brewed on site.
View Dead Centre Brewing - 314:00·2 to 3 hours
Cycle a stretch of the Old Rail Trail Greenway
Hire a bike and ride out along the Old Rail Trail Greenway toward Moate, a flat, traffic-free former railway line through open midlands countryside and past Crosswood Bog. Turn back when it suits, or ride the full 14.5 km to Moate for the more committed option.
View Old Rail Trail Greenway - 419:30·2 hours
Dinner at Thyme
Finish the day with dinner at Thyme, Athlone's Michelin Bib Gourmand kitchen on Custume Place, cooking seasonal, local food. Book ahead; a good table for two takes planning at the weekend.
View Thyme
Ready to plan your visit?
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