48 hours in Athlone
48 hours in Athlone
While staying at the Athlone Springs Hotel & Leisure Club, there is so much to see and do. We know you want to get the most out of your trip to the Midlands.
Discover the magic of Irelands Hidden Heartlands and make memories this summer.
Check out your 48 hours in Athlone Family Itinerary below..
DAY 1: Athlone makes an exciting destination for the whole family to discover all year round – both on land and on water!
Step back in time and enjoy a visit to Athlone Castle, situated around the town’s historic 13th century fortress, originally built as a Shannon Defence point. Explore its secrets and stories, tales of battles and bloodlust, destructions and new beginnings!
Afterwards, climb on board with Captain Mike and set sail down the Shannon on a replica Viking ship. This thrilling upstream cruise with Viking Tours is loaded with Viking legends and natural treasures.
Duration: 2hrs – 3hrs
In the afternoon, take a short trip to the fun-filled Bay Sports, less than a 10 minute drive from the hotel. Home to Ireland’s largest inflatable waterpark, the centre is an open-air playground of giant slides and rockers.
Fun fact: the waterpark boasts the Guinness World Record for having the tallest inflatable floating waterslide in the world!
Kids (and grown-ups) can explore the lake via a host of water sports, from paddle-boating to rafting.
Duration: 2hrs – 3hrs
Make a splash later that evening in the pool at Zen Fitness & Leisure Club. Enjoy the comfortable surroundings of your family room and the little extra space while you get ready for your next day of adventure.
DAY 2: Make the short trip over to Glendeer Pet Farm, less than a ten minute drive from the hotel for a fun filled family day out! There really is something for all ages at Glendeer, from petting cuddly animals, a fairy trail, zipline, new hobbit village, traditional farm cottage and lots more! A very enjoyable day out rain or shine!
Duration: 2hrs – 3hrs
Grab a Brunch box from the hotel and head off for the afternoon and enjoy the outdoors. A picnic in Burgess Park is a must and a family photo with the iconic St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church and the beautiful cascades from the River Shannon in the background.
You’ve read about it in school, now see it up close! Discover the beauty of Clonmacnoise and soak up the atmosphere of one of the most peaceful places in Ireland. Less than a 30 minute drive from the hotel is one of Ireland’s true historic wonders. A visit here makes a fascinating experience for all the family. Set on the banks of the river Shannon, this attraction is one of the best preserved monastic sites in Europe with the ruins of nine churches and two round towers to wander and explore. The visitor centre here also includes a museum and audio visual displays, all adding to the experience of the trip to Ireland’s very own lost city.
Duration: 2hrs – 3hrs
Relax later this evening in our newly refurbished family friendly Cedar Brasserie. Fresh local ingredients take pride here, Cedar Brasserie offers contemporary Irish cuisine and the kids menu has some great options too, think of Grilled Chicken Goujons to Chefs selection of Ice cream!
For all of these popular attractions, book online to ensure your spot and to avoid disappointment!
Planning your next get away to Athlone, check out Discover Ireland and enjoy exploring Athlone and the Midlands a little more!
With all this said, start planning your next break away today to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
