One of the first tourist attractions that I visited following my appointment as Minister of State for OPW and Flood Relief was Athlone Castle, which is owned by the OPW and managed by the local authority.
The visit took place on Saturday 15th May and I was accompanied on the occasion by my Independent Alliance colleagues Minister Shane Ross TD and local TD Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran. Carmel Duffy, Manager of Athlone Arts and Tourism, showed us around the facility, which has much to offer visitors.
Athlone Castle was built in 1210 to defend the crossing point of the Shannon. Over the centuries it has evolved into the bold defensive structure we see today. Visitors will discover Athlone’s history through a series of eight interactive exhibitions where the stories of the town, its people, castle and battles are brought to life.
Athlone Castle is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11-5 pm and Sunday 12-5 pm in March to May and September and October. For the months of June, July and August, it is open Monday to Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and 12 to 6 pm on Sundays. For further information call (090) 64 42130, email [email protected] or visit the website at www.athlonecastle.ie