Athlone

Athlone is a town in the midlands of Ireland, situated on the River Shannon at the point where the river enters Lough Ree. The town sits primarily in County Westmeath, with parts on the opposite riverbank in County Roscommon, and is bisected by the Shannon, which forms part of the boundary between the two counties. The Irish name Baile Átha Luain translates as "Luain's ford."

Historically, Athlone developed as a ford and crossing on the Shannon and grew around a castle built in the Norman era. Athlone Castle, perched on the riverbank, has medieval origins and is a notable landmark reflecting the area's strategic importance through centuries of conflict and settlement. The town also has religious and cultural sites and serves as a gateway to the surrounding Lakeland and lakeside areas, including Lough Ree.

In modern times, Athlone is a regional service hub with road and rail connections. It lies along the main Dublin-Galway corridor, served by the N6/M6 road network and a railway station on the Dublin-Galway line, making it a convenient link between the east and west of Ireland. The local economy combines retail, public services, tourism, and education. Athlone hosts Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT), a higher education institution offering programs across science, engineering, business, and arts. The town supports cultural venues such as the Luan Gallery and a range of sporting and leisure facilities, with the Shannon, Lough Ree, and surrounding countryside attracting visitors year-round.

Athlone's role as a crossing point on the Shannon has shaped its identity and development, contributing to its status as one of the Midlands' principal towns.