Cheap Car Hire & Rental Athlone Ireland

Car Hire Athlone

About Athlone

Athlone town the urban capital of the Midlands is located in the center of Ireland and position on the River Shannon at the foot of Lough Ree. The name comes from the Irish Ath-Luain the ford of Luain, which according to a tradition a man called Luan, the son of Lewy kept a hostelry close to the ford. He acted as a guide to travelers, who ventured across the rapid torrents. At came to be known as Athlone or Ath Luain: the ford of Luain.

Athlone Attractions

Athlone Castle – the Norman Castle in the town center and commands the traditional gateway to the west of Ireland. King Turlough O’Connor built a wooden castle in 1129 and in 1210 by the order of King John of England a stone castle and bridge was built by John de Gray, the bishop of Norwich. The story of the siege of Athlone and about the castle is reconstructed and presented in audio and visual display.

Belvedere House Gardens & Park – located on the shore of Lough Ennell in the Midlands was restored in 2000. The Belvedere house is an 18 th century hunting lodge designed by the German architect Richard Castle for Robert Rochfort, the first Earl of Belvedere.

Birr Castle – the private family home of the Parsons. The 17 th century park has become world famous for its natural formation the rivers, lakes, exotic trees, terraces and wildflower meadows. The garden includes collections of 2000 species of rare trees, shrubs and the tallest box Hedges in the world. The center of the park is the 1845 built the Great Telescope, which was the largest in the world for 70 years.

Clonmacnoise Monastic Site – in the 6 th century on the banks of the River Shannon an early Christian site was founded by Saint Ciaran. The site includes the ruins of a Cathedral, eight churches from 10 th to 13 th century, two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christine grave slabs. The original high crosses and grave slabs are on display in the visitor’s center.

Derryglad Folk Museum – the museum is hidden in south Roscommon, the heartland of Ireland with lakes, rivers and unexplored countryside. The museum collections deal with Farm & Folk life in Ireland of the 18 th century. The museum is owned by Finneran family and houses over 3,000 item on display.

King House – Sir Henry King, 1 st Baronet Kingston built the Georgian mansion around 1730 in a grand scale with reception gallery, stone floor and high vaulted ceiling portrays that it was built as a symbol of status and wealth of the king family. The house was used a military barracks to the famous Connaught Rangers Regiment from 1788 to 1922.

Portlick Castle – the 12 th century Dillon Castle located on the shores of Lough Ree with wooded areas, walled gardens and pastured land, the medieval castle chartered by king John. The castle was expanded in the 15 th, 18 th and 20 th century but the old ringfort and motte exist nearby dating from around 200 AD.