Inside this low and hulking castle that dates to the 13th century there are engaging and modern displays that bring to life the tumultuous history of the town. Entertaining exhibits detail life here through the ages. The highlight is the cacophonous Siege Experience which takes place in a circular panoramic gallery.
The ancient river ford at Athlone was an important crossroads on the Shannon and was the cause of many squabbles over the centuries. By 1210, the Normans had asserted their power and built a castle here. In 1690 the Jacobite town survived a siege by Protestant forces, but it fell a year later – under a devastating bombardment of 12,000 cannonballs – to William of Orange's troops. The castle was soon remodelled and further major alterations took place over the following centuries.
