Athlone

Athlone is a town in central Ireland. The medieval Athlone Castle offers views from its battlements, plus displays on local history. South of town, along the River Shannon, the early Christian ruins of Clonmacnoise include a cathedral and 7 churches. To the north, vast Lough Ree is dotted with islands, some housing monastic ruins. Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park has a ring fort, a forge and rich birdlife.