If your enquiry is of a general nature, the team here at Heritage Island will respond to you directly. If it is more appropriate for the attraction(s) to respond to you directly, we will request them to do so.
Reopened in 2012 following extensive renovations, the Athlone Castle Visitor Centre features eight exhibition rooms that tell the history of Athlone from pre-historic settlement right through the Siege of 1691 and onto more modern times.
There are areas to dress up in period costumes, try to ‘Capture the Castle’ on one of the interactive games, test your strength on some weapons and much more. Get hands-on at Athlone Castle while also reading and hearing about the rich history of the town, its environs and the people who have lived here.
- Rich collection of artefacts relevant to Athlone
- 360 degree cinema of the violent Siege of Athlone 1691
- Dress-up areas and interactive games
- Giant chess set outside (seasonal)
- Stunning views of Athlone town and River Shannon
Visitor Information
Open Year Round
January - February & November - December
Wednesday - Saturday 10:30 - 17:00
Sunday 11:30 - 17:00
Closed Monday and Tuesday
March - May & September - October
Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 17:30
Sunday 11:00 - 17:30
Closed Monday
June - August
Monday - Saturday 09:30 - 18:00
Sunday 10:30 - 18:00
Open Daily
Contact Details
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre,
Castle Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
T: +353 (0) 90 644 2130
E: info@athlonecastle.ie
W: www.athlonecastle.ie
Closed: December 24 to 26 and January 1
Bank Holidays: Open at 11:00 from March – October
Last admission: 1 hour before closing
Approx. visit duration: 60 to 75 minutes
Adult: €9.00
Senior (aged 65+): €6.50
Student (with valid ID): €6.50
Child (aged 5-15): €4.00
Toddlers: (aged 0-4): Free
Family (2 adults and 2 children): €23.00
Family (2 adults and 4 children): €28.00
Book Online
Other Useful Information
LANGUAGES
Audio guides available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese (Mandarin). Guided tours are available in English.
DINING / REFRESHMENTS
On-site cafe serving speciality coffee, teas, cold drinks and light snacks. Seating for 16 indoors, and 16 outdoors. Picnic area also available.
SHOPPING
Gift shop selling gifts, souvenirs and branded Athlone Castle merchandise including handmade pottery, postcards and guide books.
PARKING
Paid off-site car parking available nearby in St. Peter’s Square, Castle Street, O’ Connell Street and Bastion Street. Free coach parking on-site.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
Ramp on entrance. Partial courtyard access with accessible toilet. Visitor centre accessible with lift to access all floors.
GROUPS
Group rates available (minimum 10 people). Pre-booking required.
WI-FI
Free Wi-Fi available.
ACCOLADES & AWARDS
- Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2015 and 2016
Map Location
Athlone town is located on the main M6 motorway between Dublin & Galway and is approx. 132km from Dublin Airport. Athone Castle is a 15 minute walk from the bus and train stations.
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre 
Nearby Attractions
Group Enquiry?
If you have a group enquiry for 10 or more people, you can contact us here.