Athlone Castle and Visitors Centre
Built in 1210 by the Bishop of Norwich, John de Gray, the castle was commissioned by King John of England. For a period of time in the 16th century, Athlone Castle accommodated the Presidents of Connacht. The complex was attacked and severely damaged during the first Siege of Athlone (1690) and also the second siege in 1691.
The Castle at Athlone was extensively fortified during the Napoleonic years. It is now a national monument, after serving for centuries as a renowned military barracks.
The modern visitor centre is located in the guardhouse, offering tourist information and a wide variety of souvenirs in its charming shop. The walls of the castle that survive from medieval times are enclosed in glass to preserve their integrity.
A tour of the exhibitions might include an introduction to Athlone and the Castle itself, as well as a dramatic audiovisual presentation that recounts the story of the Siege of Athlone.
Exhibits focus on John McCormack, also known as Count McCormack, who lived from 1184 to 1945. He was a famous tenor from Athlone, and his life and performances are presented in short film. Various personal items, including his gramophone, sit on display at the museum.
Military history is explained from the viewpoint of the Irish Army as a peacekeeping force for a period of nearly 300 years. One display includes models of soldiers dressed in authentic uniforms that once walked the streets of Athlone, which was long regarded as a prominent military town.
A local history section, located in the polygon-shaped keep, houses extensive natural history exhibits of animal and plant life along the River Shannon. Other exhibits include information about archaeological finds in the Shannon Basin and a short history of transportation and hydroelectric power production along the river.
A tearoom containing an art gallery is a relaxing and esthetically pleasing place for visitors to relax and take a break from their travels. Views from points all around the castle are noteworthy, as well as guns from the 18th century that still outfit the fortress.