What is Athlone famous for?

Athlone is a popular stop for pleasure craft along the River Shannon. Lough Ree, the largest lake on the Shannon, is a short distance upstream from Athlone, and many boat companies are based out of the town.

Why is Athlone called Athlone?

Athlone, translated into Irish is ‘Atha Luain’, which means the town of Luain or the ford of Luain. Luain was a man who used to guide people across the treacherous waters of the River Shannon long before the first bridges were built.

What is a ballad of Athlone?

The poem is A Ballad of Athlone and is based on an incident that took place during the second siege of the town in 1691. It celebrates the brave action of a dozen men who managed to destroy the bridge over the Shannon and thus slow the advance of the Williamite army under General Ginkel.

When was Athlone bridge built?

History and Technical Details The bridge was built in 1851 and took 18 months to complete. The bridge is 542 feet (165 m) long. It was designed by G.W. Hemans, and built with a central span which can be opened to accommodate tall sailing craft.

Who founded Athlone?

Bishop John de Gray
In 1210 Bishop John de Gray, of Norwich, King John’s Irish justiciar, constructed a new bridge and commenced the building of Athlone Castle on the western side of the river.

Is Athlone a big town?

Athlone is located in the centre of Ireland in County Westmeath, and is the largest town in the Midlands. In fact, it is one of Ireland’s largest towns and in recent times has been considered for city status as population increases and the area expands.

Is Athlone a city or town?

Athlone, Irish Baile Átha Luain, town, County Westmeath, Ireland. It lies on the River Shannon just south of Lough (lake) Ree. Located at a major east-west crossing of the Shannon, it has always been an important garrison town.

Will Athlone become a city?

Submission to Government says midlands town could double in size before 2040. Athlone’s push to be designated a regional city under the State’s new spatial plan includes a proposal for the marketing of Athlone as a hub for life science and technology firms.

Why did the Siege of Athlone happen?

Both men’s strong forces clashed on Irish soil for the first time at the Battle of the Boyne on July 1st, 1690. Following a decisive win over James for the Williamites, James’ army moved west and would hold the line at Athlone. This was a Jacobite stronghold on an important river crossing.

Is Athlone in Northern Ireland?

Athlone is the largest city in midlands Ireland at about 20,000 residents along the Shannon River and near the geographic center of the island comprising the political states of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Who built Athlone Bridge?

By the 11th century, Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair (King of Connacht) had built a wooden bridge at Athlone, approximately 100 metres south of the current bridge. This was defended by the earliest recorded fort on the site – built on the west bank of the river in 1129.

Who owns Athlone Castle?

City of Athlone, Ireland

What is the history of Athlone?

History of Athlone. Athlone (Irish: Baile Átha Luain, meaning “town of Luan’s ford”) is a town on the River Shannon near the southern shore of Lough Ree in Ireland. Located on the border between County Westmeath and County Roscommon, the development of the Athlone owes much to the location of a strategic ford (river crossing point) on the Shannon.

When was the Athlone canal built?

In 1757, Omer began work on the canal at Athlone with the objective of bypassing the town, where the river was very shallow, with rapids and un-navigable shallows at the bridge area of the town. The canal was built in 1757 at a cost of 30,000 pounds. It ran from north to south, bypassing the town of Athlone on the western side.

Why are there two mortars in front of Athlone?

The two mortars in front of the medieval donjon of Athlone Castle are believed to date to the Williamite wars, and were previously located outside the main entrance of Custume Barracks. By the 11th century, Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair (King of Connacht) had built a wooden bridge at Athlone, approximately 100 metres south of the current bridge.

When was the first bridge built in Ireland?

By the 11th century, Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair (King of Connacht) had built a wooden bridge at Athlone, approximately 100 metres south of the current bridge. This was defended by the earliest recorded fort on the site – built on the west bank of the river in 1129.