If you ever find yourself smack dab in the center of Ireland in Country Westmeath, you are likely in Athlone! Having based ourselves there for a family history trip to Ireland a couple of years ago, I didn’t have a lot of expectations for Athlone but I’m happy to report I was pleasantly surprised! It’s no Dingle Peninsula in terms of scenery, but I found the restaurants, bars and long country roads packed with cows and sheep to be their own brand of charming.
Check in
While we packed several generations into an Airbnb across the street from Athlone Castle, there are a number of decent hotels all within downtown, including the Prince of Wales and the Radisson Blu.
Where to Eat
Thyme: Modern Irish food.
Rustic Roots: All-day cafe and restaurant.
Loaves and Fishes: Great coffee and home to a full Irish breakfast.
Where to Drink

Peddler Mac’s: A younger crowd with a lot of bar singalongs and some incredible pornstar martinis.
Sean’s Bar: A pub that’s over a thousand years old qualifies as Ireland’s oldest pub.
Worth a Detour

Athlone is the perfect center of Ireland, so you’re no more than a couple hours from everything – Dublin, Dingle Peninsula, Galway, Ashford Castle and more.