The Athlone Castle Audio Guide will lead you through the story of this iconic fortress on the River Shannon

Welcome to the story of Athlone Castle. Together we will explore tales of bitter battles fought, territories won and lost, tales of bravery and sacrifice. A visit to Athlone Castle allows you to walk in the footsteps of kings, presidents, soldiers and generals. Geographically positioned near the centre of Ireland, Athlone has been at the centre of Irish history for millennia. The town developed on Ireland’s longest river, the Shannon, and the mighty Shannon runs through the heart of the story of the town.

The present castle began to take its shape in 1210, when King John of England ordered John de Grey to build a stone fort. The castle was the scene of a number of attacks and raids as it became embroiled in a ferocious tug-of-war between the Gaelic Irish and Anglo-Norman forces. The castle changed hands between the English and Gaelic Irish many times during the medieval period, until it was finally recaptured by English forces in 1537. It was recorded that the ‘Castle of Athlone, standing upon a passage betwixt Connaught and these parts, is recovered, which has long been usurped by the Irish’. The castle became a court of the King’s governor and in 1567, a new stone bridge was built that allowed the English troops to quickly deploy to the west of Ireland when needed.

It was this crossing point that made Athlone such an important place during the turbulent years of the 17th century, when it faced the terror of siege and warfare. The Great Siege of Athlone in 1691 had a profound legacy, not only on Athlone and Ireland, but on European politics. This audio guide will tell these tales, and more, and immerse you in the story of this important castle. But we recommend that you experience it for yourself and take a tour at www.athlonecastle.ie.

The Story of Athlone Castle

This audio guide was produced by Abarta Heritage on behalf of Athlone Arts & Tourism, Westmeath County Council.  With support from Fáilte Ireland as part of the Ireland’s Ancient East initiative.  This audio guide was written by Neil Jackman, and recorded at Bluebird Studios with sound engineer Declan Lonergan and producer Róisín Burke.  It is narrated by Gerry O’Brien and Orlaith Rafter.