Athlone Castle


Map Reference: N039415 (2039, 2415)

A castle was built at Athlone in 1210 by John de Grey, probably on the site of an earlier motte. It was repaired several times during the 13th century. It has a central circular keep surrounded by a massive wall. There are large drum towers at the N and S corners of the E wall.



The lower parts of the keep probably date from the earliest times but the castle underwent extensive alterations during the 17th century and again in the 19th century, when heavy guns were placed on top of the towers.







Return to County Westmeath List
Return to Gazetteer