Top Athlone Tours: See Ireland’s Hidden Gems

Planning a visit to Athlone and really wanting to experience all that it has to offer? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Athlone, right in the heart of Ireland, it is a place with quite a bit of history, pretty scenery, and some genuinely fun things to do. Getting around can be a bit tricky if you don’t know where to start, so tours, cruises, and even just checking out the local sights really are a great way to see the very best of this place. You might just find experiences completely unforgettable.

1. Athlone Castle Visitor Centre

You really can’t visit Athlone without spending some time at Athlone Castle. More or less dating back to the 12th century, this site isn’t just some pile of old stones; it’s basically a trip back in time. The visitor center has been done up with exhibits that are pretty interactive, like you almost get to feel what it was like during sieges and battles. Athlone has had its share of drama and history, and a lot of it played out right here. Seeing it gives you an even better sense of what the town is all about. This is where history comes alive.

Visiting tips:

• Arrive Early: It is always a good idea to try to get there when they first open so you can miss the rush, allowing you more time to explore all the exhibits.
• Take a Guided Tour: Even though it might seem a bit ‘touristy’, the guides there really know their stuff. They tell all sorts of tales you’d never read on a plaque.
• Check for Events: Very often the castle is hosting different events and exhibitions so check to see what is on when you are planning on going.

2. Sean’s Bar: Ireland’s Oldest Pub

Now, a visit to Athlone would not at all be complete without stopping off at Sean’s Bar. They often say that it’s Ireland’s oldest pub—and I’m talking about way back in 900 AD. Really, just stepping through that door feels like traveling back through history, so too it’s almost more than just going to any old bar. They’ve got a sawdust floor, very old decor, and there is that ever-present feeling of “craic,” you know, good times in general. So go on, have a pint, soak it all up, and maybe hear some Irish music as well.

Visiting Tips:

• Live Music: Check when the trad sessions are on—you would probably find that these times offer extra entertainment.
• Try the Local Brews: Ask the bar staff for the best beers around.
• Be Prepared for Crowds: It tends to get busy, specifically at night, so be ready to perhaps squeeze in.

3. Viking Tours Ireland – Athlone Boat Trips

Fancy seeing Athlone in a way, well, a less boring way than just walking around? You could take a cruise on the River Shannon with Viking Tours Ireland! As a matter of fact you get brilliant views and a totally calm experience on the water. Usually you can pick different lengths of trip depending on your preference so whether you want a quick jaunt or a full afternoon tour you can find something to suit you.

Visiting Tips:

• Book in Advance: Particularly in high season, you really should book your place beforehand so you’re not left waiting.
• Check the Weather: There’s something nice in seeing the river regardless, yet, sunshine often helps!
• Bring a Camera: Pretty landscape and you’re almost certainly going to want photos.

4. St. Peter and Paul’s Church

Now, you do not have to be extremely religious to be seriously impressed by the beauty found inside St. Peter and Paul’s Church in Athlone. This place usually shows off really nice examples of gothic architecture, and it also features some mind-blowing stained glass that lets colored light spill throughout the entire place. Really spending some time here can get you appreciating local history with some of the memorials dotted inside that go way, way back.

Visiting Tips:

• Dress Respectfully: Is that usually goes without saying in a church? Don’t come right from the beach.
• Check Service Times: When you go you might want to look at when their service times are so you don’t turn up then, or worse get in the way.
• Enjoy the Quiet: This makes a cool space to spend a bit and calmly think.

5. Glendeer Open Farm and Pet Zoo

Right, so If you have any youngsters, Glendeer Open Farm is basically a great place where they get up-close to a whole load of farm animals, and is that not an awesome time? They probably love actually seeing them and usually the adults too might also secretly enjoy it, a bit! It’s more or less a very ‘hands on’ experience, so the kiddies may be able to feed a lamb, or play alongside some friendly goats. I guess there is plenty to keep little ones busy for hours and for those big ones accompanying them.

Visiting Tips:

• Wear Appropriate Clothing: It may well get muddy, particularly when it has been raining, which, in Ireland, is basically quite likely!
• Check for Special Events: Sometimes, mostly in school breaks, they can have more things arranged than typical.
• Bring Snacks: Alright they usually might have somewhere to buy things, but it probably does not hurt bringing along bits too, and especially if one or more members has food needs.