Athlone Castle Visitor Centre will host a number of events during the closing days of Heritage Week 2023 which culminates on Sunday, August 20.
In collaboration with a broad selection of specialist heritage experts, facilitators, artisans and historians and supported by the Heritage Council under the Irish Walled Towns Network 2023 Interpretation Fund, Athlone Castle Visitor Centre has been a focal point for the hosting of a myriad of cultural events which have drawn a wealth of enthusiasts to the popular tourist attraction in the heart of the town.
‘STORIES FROM ATHLONE CASTLE’ is a temporary exhibition centred around the stories of former residents of Athlone Castle and continues its run throughout Heritage Week until Sunday. This exhibition will combine audio recordings of stories told by members of the families and individuals who lived within the castle walls before it became a Visitor Centre. As part of this exhibition, visitors will be able to listen to audio recordings of literary and historical texts including Aubrey de Vere’s ‘Ballad of Athlone’ and a re-enactment of the speech given by General Seán MacEoin during the takeover of Athlone’s Army Barracks in 1922. A selection of family photographs and other memorabilia will also be on display. This is a free event, and all are welcome to attend.
GUIDED TOURS OF THE CASTLE will take place at 3.30pm on Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19. The knowledgeable Athlone Castle guides will lead you on an engaging journey through the history of Athlone Castle and the town, from the times of the first settlement in Athlone right up until the present day, highlighting tales of battles and bloodlust, destruction, and new beginnings. Visitors will have a chance to engage with our interactive displays and replica weapons and try on period costumes. This guided tour is bookable in advance and is included with regular admission fee.
Athlone Castle’s final event of Heritage Week 2023 is ‘POETRY AT THE CASTLE’ on Sunday, August 20, at 4.30pm. Join the Poetry in the Park group for an afternoon of poetry and prose. Local poets and artists will showcase their works in the intimate setting of the Athlone Castle Courtyard. This is a free event, and all are welcome to attend.
All the Heritage Week events at Athlone Castle are supported by the Heritage Council under the Irish Walled Towns Network 2023 Interpretation Fund. For further details on booking any of these events, visit www.athlonecastle.ie/events or please contact Athlone Castle by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 090 6442130.
