Athlone grew up at a fording point on the River Shannon. The first recorded bridge was built in 1120 and within a decade King Turlough O’Conor built a wooden castle to protect it.
Athlone grew up at a fording point on the River Shannon. The first recorded bridge was built in 1120 and within a decade King Turlough O’Conor built a wooden castle to protect it. The Anglo-Normans built the first stone castle here in 1210, parts of which are incorporated into the present structure. It was built by Bishop John de Grey of Norwich, for King John of England.
From 1569-1672 it was the headquarters of the President of Connacht. The Castle was occupied by Col. Richard Grace, Governor of Athlone during the first Siege of Athlone in 1690 and also played a vital role in the second Siege of 1691. In the Napoleonic era the castle was remodelled for defence and took on much of its present appearance.
For almost 300 years it served as an extension of the military barracks. In 1970 it was handed over to the Office of Public Works and declared a national monument. In November 2012 the castle was re-opened following major renovations. A new visitor centre was opened with eight gallery spaces to explore.
Information source: Westmeath County Council
