WEEKENDER
DAY TWO CASTLES & CHURCHES
Morning
Glide back south to Athlone — one of the largest towns in the heartlands and on the Shannon. This is, in many ways, Ireland’s crossroads, having witnessed rebellions, sieges and Viking raids. As you walk from the marina, your first sight is of Athlone Castle, built in 1210 and remodelled during the Napoleonic period into the hulking, multi-towered fortification that still stands. Inside, an interactive exhibition describes the town’s history. Next door, the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is a powerful statement of post-independence Catholicism. For lunch, stop by The Left Bank Bistro: the crowd-pleasing menu includes chunky focaccia sandwiches using local produce. athlonecastle.ieleftbankbistro.com