Things to do in Athlone - heritage sites, fishing, the races - there's loads to do

Athlone is a bustling, vibrant town set on the beautiful river Shannon in the heart of the country. There are a wide range of things to do all year round. See below for some more options

Viking Tour Boat
The Viking Boat is ideal for you and your family to see lough Ree and learn some of Irish History. The viking boat also travels to clonmacnoise once a day. The perfect option when looking for things to do in Athlone. (Tel: + 353 9064 73383). www.athlone.ie

Angling In County Westmeath
Westmeath is a veritable Anglers Paradise with an abundance of rivers, lakes and canal stretches to choose from. No other location in Ireland offers the visiting angler such a quality of water all within a short distance of each other. The principal Brown Trout lakes are Loughs Owel, Ennell, Lene and Sheelin. Brown Trout is also available at Loughs Glore, Bane,White Lake and Mount Dalton and the river Brosna.

The Pike and Coarse anglers will not be disappointed with Loughs Ree and Derravaragh, riversInny and Shannon and the Royal Canal providing a variety of species including bream, perch, pike, rudd, roach and tench. Carp fishing is available at Gaulmoylestown and Ballinafid Lake.

The long established angling tradition in the area and the full range of angling services ensures that all the requirements for the visiting angler are fully catered for including boats for hire, fishing tackle outlets, expert advise and ghillies.

Kilbeggan Races
Kilbeggan Races are one of the most enjoyable experiences and one of the most popular Athlone Activities. It mingles the heart-stopping spectacles of races over jumps with the laid back charm of a genuine rural meeting. You must meet the real people of Ireland in an atmosphere of relaxed friendship and fun. www.kilbegganraces.com 

Lockes Distillery
Established in 1757 Locke's is the last remaining example of a small pot distillery in Ireland. The distillery made pot still Irish Malt Whiskey for almost 200 years. Locke's Distillery is now open as a museum of Industrial Archaeology showing how whiskey was produced in times past. Guided tours bring you through the original distillery buildings. Over 90% of the original machinery has now been restored and can be seen working daily

Follow the process from the grinding of the grain to the casking of the final product. www.lockesdistillerymuseum.com

Athlone Castle, Co. Westmeath
Athlone (Ath Luain - the Ford of Luan) is situated on the principal fording point of the middle Shannon. In 1129 King Turlough O'Connor recognised it's strategic importance and built a wooden castle here. In 1210 King John of England ordered the building of a stone castle and bridge. The Castle was built by John de Gray, Bishop of Norwich. The Castle is now a focal point for tourism and visitors and it features exhibitions and audio visual presentations. www.athlone.ie

Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
Clonmacnoise (the Irish Cluain Mhic Nois means the meadow of the sons of Nos) was founded in 548 by St. Ciaran the son of a wright or master craftsman. Situated on an esker ridge overlooking a large area of bog through which the river Shannon flows, its location in earlier times was literally at the cross-roads of Ireland where the north/south artery of communication, the Shannon, crossed the major east/west routeway along the gravel ridges of the glacial eskers. The pivotal location contributed to the development of Clonmacnoise as a major centre of religion, learning, trade, craftsmanship and political influence. As the burial place of St. Ciaran, it has attracted pilgrims for nearly 1500 years. Clonmacnoise has been a national Monument since 1877. www.moytura.com

Dun na Si Culture and Heritage Park
In the heart of Ireland Dun na Sli is a microcosm of Irish culture. Explore the folk park: a picture of by-gone days with preserved farm machinery. Trace your family roots with the assistance of qualified researchers. Enjoy music, song, dance and story-telling at a folklore show, seisiun or ceili (Evening and weekends). Attractions include: Genealogical research centre for Westmeath, Folk Park, and Cultural centre for Moate C.C.E.

Open: All year round. Facilities include tea rooms, souvenir shop and car park. Note: The Park closes one hour earlier than the Centre and Genealogical department.

Address: Moate, Co. Westmeath
Tel.: + 353 (0) 90 64 81183
Fax: + 353 (0) 90 64 81661

An Dún Transport & Heritage Museum
This museum houses an excellent exhibition of vintage and classic cars and trucks, along with a marvellous display of restored farm machinery and rural utensils. Relax in the quaint, comfortable coffee shop. Facilities on site include a souvenir shop. Recently expanded to include a fascinating European model railway and cable car display Industrial and commercial machinery and buyers corner. www.athlone.ie

Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway
For a unique learning experience, take a ride aboard the Clonmacnoise & West Offaly Railway through the Offaly bogs. This guided tour journeys through a raised bog with its unusual flora and fauna and its 6,000 year old bog oaks. Special train trips, nature trail, Santa trains at Christmas. Educational trips arranged. Please book in advance for groups. www.athlone.ie

Cruising Activities in Athlone
Athlone is the centre of Ireland and the centre of Ireland's Inland Waterways as well. It is the nearest point on the Shannon to Dublin and is approximately ninety minutes by road from Dublin, Shannon, and Knock International Airports. The perfect starting point for a cruising holiday and activities in Athlone . In addition to its central location, the river immediately to the south is ideal for beginners, while for the experienced, Lough Ree to the north is a magnificent island dotted cruising ground. www.athlone.ie

Moate Museum Courthouse
The Museum has over 1000 artefacts covering the Folk History of the Town and the surrounding countryside in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. Displays include farm tools and equipment, an old farm kitchen, church and school through the years, a jail room, an archaeology room, the Old Forge, Tradesmen's Tools and a documents archive.

Open: 1st June to 30th September. Group visits can be set up outside normal hours/days by appointment.
Address: Moate, Co. Westmeath
Tel.: + 353 (0) 90 64 82167/81209

Shannon Safari
The Shannon safari will take you on a high speed, adrenalin packed tour in our RIB Speedboat while taking in the fantastic views as well as the local history, culture and heritage around the Lough Ree area and its environs. We cater for group outings including Corporate events. Shannon Safari provide a great day out for families looking for things to do in Athlone and a unique way for visitors to Athlone to explore the waterways. www.shannonsafari.ie

Above are just  a small selection of the activites in Athlone , for more ideas CLICK HERE to visit our family page.