Welcome to ATHLONE- Irelands Hidden Heartland
Transportation from Airports to Athlone
From Dublin Airport to Athlone-
· To the TUS Athlone college campus- 721, 763 or 706 buses from Dublin Airport taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
· To travel to Athlone train station (a short walk to both the Sheraton and Radisson Blu hotels)- first taken the 782 bus from Dublin Airport to Heuston Train Station. At Heuston Train Station the Galway Service can be taken directly to Athlone. This journey takes approximately 2 hours.
From Shannon Airport to Athlone-
· The 51 bus can be taken directly from Shannon Airport to Galway Station where a connecting train, the Galway service for Dublin, can be taken to Athlone Train Station. This journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
From conference hotels to TUS Athlone campus-
· Sheraton Athlone- A1 bus from John Broderick St stop (ride 8 stops) approximately 20 minutes.
· Radisson Blu Athlone- A1 from Radisson Hotel stop (ride 11 stops) approximately 30 minutes.
Free parking is available on campus for delegates wishing to travel by car.
Athlone
Places to Eat in Athlone
Di Bella , Athlone
Il Colosseo, Athlone
Pavarottis, Athlone
Rob’s Ranch House, Athlone
Rustic Roots, Athlone
The Cellar Bistro, Athlone
The Fatted Calf, Athlone
Thyme, Athlone
Bacchus , Athlone
Kin Khao Thai, Athlone
The Shack, Athlone
Jia Jia Chinese, Athlone
Yakisoba, Athlone
Ken’s Oriental Restaurant, Athlone
Dead Centre Brewing & Restaurant, Athlone
The Motte and Bailey Restaurant, Mount Temple
*all restaurants listed cater for a wide range of dietary requirements.
Places of interest in the Midlands region and beyond
Athlone and its environs
Historic Sites-
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre- a crucial location for historic events which have shaped Ireland.
Clonmacnoise Monastic Site- a spectacular monastery on the banks of the River Shannon.
Clara Bog Nature Reserve- one of the finest remaining examples of a raised bog in Ireland.
Adventures, Parks & Walks-
Glendeer Pet Farm- a fun filled family day out with animal interactions.
Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage park - a unique outdoor adventure exploring tradition, heritage and nature.
Lough Key Forest Park - a park packed with trails, tours and activities.
The Old Rail Trail Greenway - a walking and cycle trail which traces the historic Midlands Great Western railway track.
Bay Sports Inflatable Waterpark - Ireland’s largest inflatable water park.
Irish River Activities and Information- there are ample river activities in Ireland’s hidden heartlands.
Brewhouses, Distillery’s & Traditional Bars-
Dead Centre Brewing & Restaurant, Athlone’s craft beer brewery.
Sean’s Bar is the oldest bar in Ireland and based in Athlone.
P. Egans Bar traditional Irish bar with traditional music Sessions on Sunday evenings based in Moate.
Locke’s Distillery in Kilbeggan is the oldest whiskey distillery in Ireland.
Tullamore DEW Distillery Experience tells the tale of a legendary liquid with 192 years of history.
Golf Courses-
There are a number of golf courses located in the Midlands region including nearby Athlone, Glasson, Mount Temple, New Forest, Mullingar, Ballinasloe, Portumna, Birr & Tullamore golf clubs. Esker Hills golf club, home club of Shane Lowry, is also located in the midlands.
Shopping Centres in Athlone-
There are two main shopping centres in Athlone; Golden Island and Athlone Towncentre.
Ballymahon, Co. Longford (Approximately 20 mins North of Athlone)
Center Parcs Resort & Spa- a part of the European network of holiday villages.
Mullingar, Co. Westmeath (Approximately 45 mins East of Athlone)
Belvedere House & Gardens - a stunning Georgian house with open rolling parklands.
Fore Abbey - discover the mystical legacy of St Feichin.
Tullynally Castle & Gardens - a Gothic-style country house with open gardens to explore.
The Hill of Uisneach - the sacred centre of Ireland.
Mollie Moo’s Pet Farm, Mullingar - fun and adventure with a pet farm and playground.
Birr and Banagher (West Offaly)
Historic Sites-
Birr Castle, Gardens & Science Centre - largest telescope in the world from 1845 for 70 years.
Lough Boora Discovery Park - native wetland with walks and other activities.
Slieve Bloom Hiking and Nature Park - mature mountain range with Glenbarrow waterfall, hiking and biking trails etc.
Shannon River Cruises from Banagher - local cruises to explore the longest river in Ireland.
Traditional Bars-
JJ Hough’s Singing Pub – Banagher traditional Irish music Sessions every night, Banagher
Accommodation suggestions in West Offaly-
The County Arms Hotel , a good option for families
The Stables Townhouse and Tea Rooms
Kinnitty Castle Hotel, Castle Hotel in Offaly, Ireland
Dublin (1 hour East of Athlone)
From Dublin City Centre to Athlone-
The Galway Service train can be taken from Dublin’s Heuston Train Station taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Accommodation suggestions in Dublin City:
Significant event/s in Dublin at the time of the conference
Dublin Comic Arts Festival takes place in Dublin from the 13th-14th July 2024.
Places of interest in Dublin
Historic sites-
Kilmainham Gaol - a journey through Ireland’s history including the 1916 Easter rising.
Dublin Castle - a major government complex steeped in history dating to the early thirteenth century.
Trinity College - has produced some of the world’s most original literary minds including Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum - winner of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction covering the history of Irish diaspora and emigration.
The Book of Kells Experience - an illuminated religious manuscript from the medieval period.
Glasnevin Cemetery & Museum - Ireland’s national cemetery which holds the graves of significant historical figures.
Brewhouses & Distillery’s-
Guinness Storehouse exploring the tale of Ireland’s famous beer in Dublin.
Jameson Whiskey Distillery , Dublin voted the world’s best whiskey tour- twice.
Teelings Distillery Experience in Dublin is the first new distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years.
Galway (1 hour West of Athlone)
· The Galway Train service can be taken from Athlone train station directly to Galway taking approximately 1 hour.
· The 706 bus can be taken from the campus directly to Galway train station taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Accommodation suggestions in Galway City:
Luxury Hotel in Salthill Galway (theardilaunhotel.ie)
The Connacht Hotel Galway - leisure centre and apartments also available
Significant event/s in Galway at the time of the conference-
· Galway International Arts Festival takes place in Galway City from the 15th-28th of July 2024.
· Galway Horse Racing Summer Festival takes place from the 29th July- 4th August.
Places of interest in Galway
Salthill Promenade - several small beaches divided by outcrops in a Special Area of Conservation.
Spanish Arch - one of Galway’s historical gems dating back to pre-medieval times.
The Latin Quarter - a hive of bustling markets, shops, music, restaurants and bars.
Kylemore Abbey - a Benedictine monastery.
Connemara National Park - offers stunning views of bogs, heaths and moors as well as great hikes.
The Aran Islands – 3 rocky isles guarding the mouth of Galway Bay known for their ancient sites.
Wildlands - Indoor & Outdoor Activity Centre - Moycullen - a range of indoor and outdoor activities to suit all weathers with accommodation options available onsite.
Turoe Pet Farm, Loughrea - a leading visitor attraction in Ireland with European’s largest indoor bouncing castle.
Cork (4 hours South of Athlone)
The Galway Train service can be taken from Athlone train station to Dublin Heuston and take the A216 Cork (Kent) Intercity from Heuston to Cork. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Accommodation suggestions in Cork City:
Significant event/s in Cork at the time of the conference-
Cork Week 2024 takes place from the 14th-19th of July 2024. It is Ireland’s largest international sailing regatta and is held in Ireland every two years.
Places of interest in Cork
The English Market- traditional food market showcasing the food culture of Cork in an 18th century covered market.
Spike Island- discover Captains and convicts, sinners and saints at Ireland’s infamous prison island.
Blarney Castle & Gardens- one of Ireland’s greatest national treasures and home to the renowned Blarney stone.
Blackrock Castle Observatory- a journey through time and space in a 16th-century castle.
Elizabeth Fort- 17th century star fort with stunning views of Cork city.
Fota Island Park- a 100-acre wildlife park with numerous walking tracks and trails.
Cork Opera House- the region’s premier arts and entertainment centre.
Limerick (2 hours South-West of Athlone)
The 72 bus service can be taken directly from Athlone to Limerick City with the journey taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Accommodation suggestions in Limerick City:
5-star Adare Manor 2027 Ryder Cup venue
Places of interest in Limerick
King John’s Castle- brings to life 800 years of dramatic history for the city.
Limerick City Gallery of Art- one of the leading contemporary art galleries in Ireland.
Treaty Stone- the sight of the signature of the Limerick treaty where the city was surrendered to William of Orange.
Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum- walk in the footsteps of pioneering aviators and Hollywood icons in the birthplace of Irish coffee.
The Milk Market- a weekend farmer’s market.
Midwest Region
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park- originally a trading Viking trading camp in 970.
Cliffs of Moher- stunning sea cliffs found on the coast of Co Clare.
Waterford (3 hours South of Athlone)
· The 73 bus can be taken from Athlone station to Carlow Coach Park and a connecting bus, the 736 JJ Kavanagh & Sons, can be taken to Waterford City. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Accommodation suggestions in Waterford City:
Places of interest in Waterford
Reginald’s Tower and the the Viking Triangle- Reginald's Tower was built by the Vikings after 914 and formed the apex of a triangular settlement, an area known to this day as the Viking Triangle.
Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum- Ireland’s only purpose-built medieval museum.
Waterford Crystal - first established in 1783 with a vision of creating luxury crystal.
Waterford Greenway- a route on a former railway track in County Waterford, Ireland, used for cycling and hiking.
Rock of Cashel- found in Tipperary enroute to Waterford, it was the original seat of the Kings of Munster.
Local Tourism Websites
Ireland's Hidden Heartlands - Fáilte Ireland
Shannon Erne Hidden Gems of Irish Waterways
Experience Ireland's Ancient East with Discover Ireland
FAQ’s
What currency is used in Ireland?
Ireland is a member of the European Union and the Eurozone. Our national currency is the Euro. If travelling to Northern Ireland during your stay the currency is Pounds.
How safe is Ireland?
Ireland is one of the most stable, friendly, peaceful and safe countries in the world. The Global Peace Index rates 163 nations worldwide on measures such as conflict, safety and security in society and militarisation. In 2023, it ranked Ireland the 3rd most peaceful in Europe!
What is the best Taxi/Cab service to use in Ireland?
FREENOW is Ireland’s number one Taxi app.
What languages are spoken in Ireland?
In Ireland, we have two official languages: English and Irish. English is used more commonly and is the main form of communication throughout the country.
What plugs are used in Ireland?
Ireland uses a G plug type and operates on a 230V voltage supply. A power plug travel adapter is required for Ireland.
Is there US pre-clearance in Ireland?
Flights departing from Shannon and Dublin to The USA go through Immigration AND Customs in Ireland! This means that delegates can avoid long queues when they arrive home – they will arrive in a domestic terminal.
What is the weather like in Ireland?
The weather in Ireland is variable. We hope for glorious sunshine but recommend that you bring a waterproof jacket with you for your travels. Visit our National Meterological Service website to get updates on Irish weather closer to your stay.
Do I require a Visa to travel to Ireland?
Everyone entering Ireland must have a valid passport. Visas may be required by delegates travelling from some countries. We would encourage all delegates to check with their local Irish representation and also with their travel operator if your originating country requires a visa. The Department of Justice and Equality has primary responsibility for Ireland’s immigration and visa policy. For more information on visa requirements for Ireland please see the Department of Justice & Equality website www.justice.ie . Note that visa applications can take up to 12 weeks for Ireland.
Can I shop tax free in Ireland?
For details on tax-free shopping in Ireland see https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel-and-recreation/travel-to-ireland/tax-free-purchases-for-non-eu-travellers/
More advice on travelling to Ireland can be found here