Impressions of Athlone

"Locals" in Athlone

Each time I visit Athlone, I find it an interesting place; however, over the last several years I have noticed an appreciable decline. At first glance, a relatively new KFC seems out of place but, upon reflection, it is probably symptomatic of the economic difficulties of the city. Athlone is a mixture of nice, neat houses with pretty gardens alongside derelict homes and boarded properties. Some businesses thrives, while others experience more difficult times. Walking through the city center there are many vacant shop fronts. There was a building diagonally from the Arch House B&B that had recently burnt the last time I was here. The building has been dismantled, but a fence still surrounds the site. It now has anti-capitalism literature affixed to it.

Road marker 

Yet for all the problems of the city, it still retains very interesting features. Along with fascinating churches, a castle, and Sean’s Pub, there are many historical artifacts that dot the city. I stumbled on one quite by accident. A weathered mile marker, which reads “Dublin 60, Ballinastoe 12,” sits seemingly forgotten on Irishtown Street (An Baile Gaelach). Despite internet searches I have yet to turn up any information about.

Former Midlands Great Western Station 

Railroad Bridge

More celebrated is the abandoned Midlands Great Western Station. From August 1851 until January 1985 this was the primary railroad station for the city. The former station is now used for offices and storage while some of the other buildings in the complex sit derelict. Adjacent to the station, crossing the River Shannon, is the Railway Bridge, a slender and sleek bridge that was built in 1850-51. Originally the middle section of the bridge opened up so that twice a year yachts could pass through on the way to Lough Ree to take part in a regatta. In the 1970s this feature was removed; however, the bridge remains as one of the symbols of the industrial past of Athlone.

Coosan Tavern

Of course like many Irish towns, there are several pubs. Of course, the most famous is Sean’s Pub. Coosan Tavern, outside the center of the city, displays the advertising battle between Guinness and Heineken. The oddly named Nuts Corner displays some of the more traditional Guinness advertising that is fun to find across Ireland.

Finally, while on a walk in the canal area I saw this water tower off in the distance. On my final afternoon in Athlone I set off to find it and walked through some decidedly non-tourist areas. Nevertheless, with not too much trouble, I made my way through Battery Heights and photographed what I think is an odd-looking tower.

Guinness Advertisement
at Nuts Corner

Water tower at Battery Heights