Athlone

town and district, Ireland
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://www.britannica.com/place/Athlone
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Also known as: Baile Átha Luain
Irish:
Baile Átha Luain

Athlone, town, County Westmeath, Ireland. It lies on the River Shannon just south of Lough (lake) Ree. Located at a major east-west crossing of the Shannon, it has always been an important garrison town. In the 12th century the area, previously fortified by the kings of Uí Maine and Connaught (Connacht), was seized by the Anglo-Normans. Their motte (palisade) castle was built in 1210 and underwent repairs in 1547. It was besieged several times during the 17th century. Today Athlone is an important regional fair and market centre. The area’s industries include wool and cotton textiles, machinery, electrical cable, and plastics. It is a centre for pleasure cruising, and there is a regional technical college. Pop. (2006) 14,347; (2011) 15,558.