Welcome to Athlone

Athlone is a magical and historical town located in County Westmeath, Ireland. It's like a treasure chest full of exciting stories from the past.

The most thrilling tale is about Athlone Castle! This castle was built over 800 years ago, can you imagine that? It wasn't always as peaceful as now. Around 400 years ago, in 1691, a big battle took place there, known as the Siege of Athlone. The English and Irish were fighting, and the castle was in the middle of it all. The brave Irish held the castle for many days, but finally, the English won.

Apart from the castle, Athlone is also famous for the lovely River Shannon. This river is the longest in Ireland and has been there for thousands of years! Just imagine, the Vikings, famous seafarers, once sailed on this river.

So, Athlone is not just a town; it's a place where you can travel back in time and imagine knights, kings, battles, and brave warriors. It's like a storybook, and every stone has an exciting story to tell. Can't wait to learn more, can you?

  1. What is the most thrilling tale about Athlone?
  2. What happened during the Siege of Athlone?
  3. What is the River Shannon famous for?
  4. Why do you think the author compares Athlone to a treasure chest?
  5. If you could go back in time to any moment in Athlone's history, where would you go and why?

All About Athlone

Athlone, in County Westmeath, is an exciting place in the middle of Ireland, on the bank of the beautiful River Shannon. The river is like the town's spine, splitting it into two halves. Athlone is known for its lovely streets, like Church Street, packed with colourful shops and houses.

One of the coolest spots in town is Athlone Castle, an old fortress that stands tall, guarding the town like a superhero. You can imagine knights and princesses living there a long time ago!

Now, if you love animals and plants, you're in for a treat. The Lough Ree, a large lake nearby, is home to lots of birds, ducks, and even swans. In the forests around Athlone, you can find animals like squirrels, rabbits and foxes.

Athlone also has lots of beautiful trees and flowers. In the spring, you can see daffodils and cherry blossoms that look like fluffy pink clouds on tree branches.

There are no mountains in Athlone, but there are gentle hills rolling around the town. On a sunny day, they look like green waves in a sea of grass. Isn't that amazing? Athlone is a special place with so much to explore!.

  1. What is the primary geographical feature that splits Athlone into two halves?
  2. Describe Athlone Castle and its importance in the town's history.
  3. What types of wildlife can you find in and around Lough Ree?
  4. Using a map of Athlone, can you identify the location of some key features mentioned in the text? Use map symbols and grid references where possible.
  5. Explore the area around Athlone yourself. Can you find something of geographical interest not mentioned in the text? Describe what you discovered.

My Family and Athlone

Hi there, I'm Green and I'm 8 years old! I live in a place called Athlone, in Co. Westmeath. It's right in the middle of Ireland! I love where I live because there's a lot to see and do.

One of my favourite places here is Athlone Castle. It's really old, like over 800 years old! Mum says it's from the 'Norman times'. I love imagining all the knights and princesses who might have lived there. It's also got a cool visitor centre where you learn a lot of stuff about history.

Another cool place is Luan Gallery. It's full of art and sometimes, school takes us there on trips. I always try to draw the paintings when I get home.

And you can't forget about the River Shannon! It's the longest river in Ireland and it flows right through Athlone. I love watching the boats go by. Sometimes, we even go on boat trips and it's super fun!

So, that's a little about me and where I live. Athlone is a great place and I can't wait to grow up here. Bye for now!

  1. What is your favourite place in Athlone and why?
  2. Can you tell me something about Athlone Castle?
  3. What kind of art can you see in Luan Gallery?
  4. Why do you like the River Shannon?
  5. What do you like to do on the River Shannon?

The Logainm of Athlone

Athlone, a town in County Westmeath, Ireland, has a special name. In Irish, it's called 'Baile Átha Luain'. 'Baile' means town, 'Áth' means ford, and 'Luain' is the name of a person. So, in English, Athlone means 'Luain's ford town'. That's because long ago, there was a man named Luain who guided people across the river at the shallow part, or ford. This was the easiest place to cross the river without a boat.

Over time, this spot became a busy place, and a town grew around it. The town was named Athlone to honor Luain and the important work he did. Today, Athlone is a bustling town with lots of people, shops, and things to do. But when you say its name, you're also telling a little piece of its history, going all the way back to the time of Luain and his ford.

  1. What does 'Baile Átha Luain' mean in English?
  2. Who was Luain and what did he do?
  3. Why was the town named after Luain's ford?
  4. How does the name Athlone tell a piece of the town's history?
  5. Can you think of any other places that might have interesting stories behind their names?

Slideshow - Athlone
A full set of teaching plans for teaching about Athlone