Despite the rumours, Viking Mike is not as old as Athlone Castle. First built in 1210, Athlone Castle is now a family friendly tourist attraction in the heart of Ireland. Filled with modern exhibitions, Athlone’s history, people, castle and battles are explored and brought to life. Child friendly multimedia displays and interactive games guide the visitor through the castle.

Travel through time and experience a unique outdoor adventure exploring tradition, heritage, nature, and activity! Meet the ancient Irish warrior Lugh, explore the roots of Irish music, or journey through the past and discover how rural communities lived throughout time. And don’t miss the annual Viking Festival with reenactors, all in traditional costume, crafts people and traders with authentic hand made goods from all over Ireland and Europe. There is battle re-enactments throughout the day to shock and entertain.

This theatre boasts an intimate atmosphere that combines a high standard of acting and production to deliver a unique theatre experience. It seats 100 patrons in intimate surroundings. Athlone Little Theatre are always on the lookout for new talent, either on stage or as a member of the crew. Viking Mike has loved seeing memorable performances of The Taming of the Shrew, The Field and Philadelphia, Here I Come!

The Dean Crowe Theatre’s spacious auditorium has a seating capacity of 460, with 338 parterre and 128 balcony seats. Viking Mike is a great fan and active member of the local Film Club that was established under the Dean Crowe Trust to promote Irish, world, and contemporary film. Last, but not least, Viking Tours is a sponsor of the annual All Ireland Drama Festival showcasing the best of amateur Irish drama for over 70 years.

Baysports is located outside Athlone on the west shore of Lough Ree at the heart of the mighty River Shannon. Here you will find Ireland’s largest inflatable waterpark. There is also kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, pedal boating, rafting and dragon boating. Wetsuits are available to hire but it is recommended to bring a towel, spare socks, a swimsuit, and a wetsuit if you have one. Booking is via their website.

Glendeer Pet Farm is an award-winning open farm. It is an unforgettable, interactive experience where you can pet baby animals such as bearded dragons, chicks, goats, rabbits and guinea pigs. This centre is in Strokestown, County Roscommon and is run by a community-owned company, affiliated to the Irish Family History Foundation. Fun Fact: Viking Mike is scared of goats.

An all-day healthy breakfast is available at this café that also has delicious sandwiches, salads and hot meals made on the premises. Beans and Leaves is very close to the strand and when the weather is good you can bring your dog and sit outside while overlooking the mighty River Shannon while eating your avocados on toast. As a bonus, Beans & Leaves is a supplier of local handmade chocolates by Bon Chocolatiers.

Want pancakes for breakfast? This café has a relaxed atmosphere that provides great value for money with its very convenient location beside Golden Island Shopping Centre. They provide homemade sweet and savoury pancakes with toppings such as apple & cinnamon or bacon & eggs. Don’t forget to add a crispy hashbrown.

There is nothing more fine than FINE! At this centrally located café you will find coffee beans that are ethically sourced and transparently traded. This includes coffee from Farm Land and the Mullingar based roastery Bell Lane. FINE runs coffee classes where you can learn basic barista training, espresso making and filter coffee processes. Every Friday evening FINE becomes an atmospheric wine bar serving cheese and charcuterie boards. For the wine bar evening it is advised to book in advance.

Inside this café the walls are decorated with pictures of Ireland and maps of Athlone town. They serve refreshing drinks such as smoothies, milkshakes and juices. The ‘Tropicana’ is a delicious option with mango, pineapple, banana, pineapple juice and natural yogurt. Caffeinated drinks include an Iced Latte or Mocha with vanilla, caramel or hazelnut syrup. If you decide to stay longer they have a full Al La Carte menu.

Made with lots of fresh, local, organic and seasonal ingredients, the owner Ann serves hot dishes such as Organic Red Lentil Dahl, Ribollita with Organic Canillini Beans, Moroccan Spiced Chickpea & Vegetable Tagine and Sweet Potato & Chickpea Coconut Curry. There are takeaway deals and a Click & Collect service when you order online. Instore and on their website, there is also many eco-friendly products including thermal bottles, beeswax candles and handmade soaps.

Poppy Fields menu boasts a widely acclaimed ‘Today’s Specials’ option, with four Hot Specials available every day, to compliment the regular menu. They also offer healthy options every day including char grilled chicken with quinoa, Kale salad with fresh pineapple salsa. Vegetarian options include roast Mediterranean vegetables with Five Mile Town goat’s cheese & homemade basil pesto. Poppy Fields also has an outdoor seating area with heaters for chilly days.

From cooking in his mom’s kitchen to a flourishing chef career, Jasim has been doing this his whole life. His rich experience shows through beautiful, flavourful, and unpretentious food with a focus on local ingredients. Bacchus, the home of modern Mediterranean and European cuisine where menus are thoughtfully tailored to meet their guests’ tastes and expectations. Their aim is to ensure that you have a memorable experience, with impeccable service and great food.

Run by husband-and-wife team, Feargal and Fiona O’Donnell, the restaurant’s focus is on finding and working with the best, fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients that the Midlands has to offer. Feargal’s menu is carefully designed with his take on modern Irish food, served in a relaxed, and comfortable setting. Dinner is served Tuesday – Saturday and every Saturday the restaurant opens for lunch from 12:30 – 2:45pm.

As soon as you enter Al Mezza restaurant you know your taste buds are in for a real treat, with authentic surroundings, a real fire and excellent service. Lebanese cuisine or foods from Lebanon are considered a Mediterranean delicacy of fresh vegetarian recipes, salads and stews all seasoned with a flavoursome combination of herbs and spices. One of the most World renowned Lebanese specialties is called the ‘maza’, also written as ‘mezza’, which is a selection of appetizers olives, cheeses or small portions known as mugabbilat.

Run by Claude, this restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet meal for two, a family gathering or large party. Pavarotti’s serves pizza and pasta using the finest of ingredients made to order. Their pizzas are noted locally for their fresh handmade base and flavoursome toppings. The restaurants dishes use high-quality, seasonal ingredients, presented in elegant simplicity. Pavarotti’s serves an extensive range of wines, beers and indulgent desserts to complement each meal. Viking Mike’s favourite is the Pizza Napoletana with pizza sauce, black olives, anchovies, and cheese.

The Castle Inn is well known for its character and atmosphere. It’s one of the pubs you have to visit in Athlone and you can be guaranteed friendly banter and a great pint! A tradition of a genuinely warm welcome and first-rate friendly service is the hallmark of one of the friendliest watering holes in Athlone. They pride ourselves on our various Music sessions, Open Mic Nights, Pool Competitions and Sporting Coverage.

Situated in the Heart of Ireland, Nut’s Corner is a real locals’ pub that welcomes all. Whether you are visiting Ireland from overseas and would like to see what a real Irish Pub is like, or you are just looking for a quality pint in a friendly atmosphere, well Nut’s is the place for you. The Sheraton Hotel, The Prince of Wales Hotel and The Radisson Blu Hotel are all within a few minutes walk with Nut’s Corner being directly across the road from Athlone Town Centre. Call in to hear local musicians and bands.

Boasting 68 bright and spacious bedrooms, extensive leisure facilities, ample free car parking on site and complimentary high speed WIFI, the Athlone Springs Hotel & Leisure Club is your ideal base for your next getaway. Their bedrooms feature smart TV’s with Netflix, while our state of the art gym features a new fitness studio. Enjoy our indoor 20 metre swimming pool while you are staying with us. Their newly refurbished Cedar Brasserie & Bistro and lobby area are the perfect places to catch up, relax and unwind. Outdoor dining can be enjoyed in their Secret Garden, a great place to dine alfresco in Athlone.

The perfect place to enjoy your well-earned break, these beautiful rooms feature king-sized beds, large plasma-screen TVs and sizeable en suite bathrooms. If you’re visiting with children, you’ll feel right at home in the Family Suite, which is furnished with two single beds and a separate sleeping area with a king-sized bed. With 128 rooms and suites offering stunning views of the marina and an endless selection of activities, the Radisson is the perfect choice for all the family.

Arch House B&B and Apartments we offers a warm friendly welcome and ensure a pleasant and memorable stay. With modern comfortable bedrooms and fully fitted modern self-catering Apartments we are ideal for the corporate guest, tourist, family breaks, events, and group bookings. And just 100m from the Sheraton Hotel and 500m from the Radisson Hotel we offer the perfect stopover for the wedding guest.

This B&B has lovely big comfortable beds, very friendly, attentive and welcoming hosts. Lots of onsite parking with a great. The location is very close to Athlone centre. They are Irish Tourist Board approved with 4* classification and Michelin guide recommended. The B&B is not far from shops, restaurants and bars, so you can enjoy good food, drink, entertainment and shopping.

At this spa they offer a holistic approach to the overall spa experience by considering the entire body, mind and soul with the aim of achieving and maintaining balance and harmony of the vital energy that runs through our body. They provide the ultimate self-care journey by using specific Aromatherapy scents to enhance your treatment experience, promote a sense of relaxation and improve mood with every treatment being tailored to suit your individual needs.

Clinic director and skin professional Paula Fitzpatrick, specialises in non-surgical skin treatments, digestive health treatments and nutrition. At glo Skin Clinic, their philosophy in achieving good skin health is to take a targeted 360 approach and address the skin and body as a whole. Paula is the only practitioner in the Midlands to offer colon hydrotherapy and nutrition to address digestive issues, IBS, food intolerances, skin problems and overall health. Continuous aesthetic education in the latest technology, treatments and nutritional knowledge, providing clients with the support of the most professional recognised products.

Join Vincent as he wanders the streets of Athlone recounting tales of war and conquest, joy and tragedy, emigration and slavery, and success and folly. Taking place every Thursday and Saturday, Athlone Guided Tours are an eco-friendly walking tour suitable for visitors and locals alike. He combines a quick wit, a vivid imagination and a great interest in history to paint a picture of Athlone in every age. The tours encompass oral history, folklore, memories, famous residents, landmarks and place names throughout the history of Athlone. The tour starts at Athlone castle and visits various locations in Athlone, including the Strand, the Civic Square and Athlone’s Latin Quarter.

Established in 1990, this Gallery stocks a selection of gifts and jewellery both designed and made in Ireland and sustainably sourced Fair Trade products alongside books and other unique gift ideas. You are sure to find a suitable gift for birthdays, wedding, christenings and retirement. Viking Mike recommends checking out the handmade Bog Buddies, written Ogham Wishes and the Jellycat stuffed toys. All can be bought instore or online.

The shop is owned and run by John Donohoe who opened the doors in 1997 and launched his online store in 2011. This quaint shop is in the old part of Athlone town and mainly sells antiquarian, used, rare, and a few new books. John also sells original documents, signed first editions, photographs, ephemera and a few select paintings. Whilst he stocks books of all sorts there is an emphasis towards Irish Literature, Local History, Inland Waterways, and Irish language books — leabhair Gaeilge. Fun Fact: John is a big fan of birdwatching.