Brought to you by Destination Athlone

You’ll be - quite literally - at the heart of it all!

Athlone is located at the very epicentre of Ireland and is a town beloved by many for its shopping scene, rich culture and top-notch nightlife. Perfect for a couple’s retreat or a family day out, but it’s a girls weekend away that will allow you to uncover the appeal of the Hidden Heartlands. We’re keenly aware that planning is the most stressful part of any staycation, so we’ve put together a handy little guide to the ultimate girly weekend away in Athlone. From shopping local at independent retailers to a well-deserved massage in the comfort of a spa, here are some top tips to make your visit to the midlands one to remember...

Enjoy some delicious food

This town boasts an exciting and varied food scene ranging from coffee culture to fine dining. The Athlone Food Circle caters to every appetite, with vegan and veggie goodness at Bastion Kitchen, homemade treats at Beans & Leaves and award-winning Thai cuisine in the vibrant Kin Khao. Honorable mention goes to Thyme, which has become a local attraction in itself.

Soak up the culture

Whether it’s a tour of the town’s Medieval Castle a tour of Dead Centre Brewery or Kilbeggan Whiskey, or a visit to the gorgeous Glasson Village, there’s a lot to be explored in Athlone.

Treat yourself!

If you want to get some shopping in, you’ve come to the right place. Athlone has two shopping centres complete with all the best high street shops, plenty of independently owned shops and the oldest department store in the country! So that counts as a historical visit, doesn’t it?

Hit the town

From the oldest department store to the oldest bar - Sean’s Bar is a little piece of Irish history that you can’t miss out on when visiting Athlone. Is any girls’ night out truly complete without a round of cocktails? Head to Maisie’s for a cocktail tree of dreams!

Try something different

If you want to veer away from the typical, how does spending an evening unwinding in a hot tub sound? The best part? It’s floating on the River Shannon! Alternatively, you could take Ireland’s only water taxi on a sightseeing tour of the town’s best attractions.

Hit the snooze button

Whether you decide to base yourself in Athlone town, Hodson Bay or Glasson, you’re going to enjoy an incredibly comfortable, luxurious stay. This jam-packed town is equipped with many stunning spas so that you can rest, unwind and come home from your Athlone escape entirely rejuvenated. The perfect base to reconnect with your nearest and dearest as you discover Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, get organising your trip to Athlone today. To find out more, click HERE. Brought to you by Destination Athlone and funded by Westmeath and Roscommon LEADER programme.