Athlone

Town in County Westmeath, Republic of Ireland; population (2002) 7,400. Situated on the River Shannon, Athlone is an important road, rail, and canal junction, and is known as the ‘capital of the midlands’. Its principal industries are pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, engineering, electronics, and manufacture of machine components. There is a large military barracks here. The town is also a centre for game fishing and sailing events.

From the time of Brian Bóruma in 1001, Athlone has been the scene of constant struggles for possession. The castle, founded in the 13th century, was of major strategic importance in the conflicts of the Tudor period. It was besieged by William III in 1688, and finally captured by Gen Godart Ginkell (later Earl of Athlone) in 1691. Parts of the 13th-century town walls and later 16th- and 17th-century defences still remain.

The modern Shannon bridge is a fine example of bowstring and lattice ironwork.