On the border of County Roscommon and County Westmeath, lies the town of Athlone, located on the River Shannon near the southern shore of Lough Ree. It is a main shopping hub for the midlands and a popular spot for girly breaks, couples weekends away, business events and for families looking to escape the city noise.
History enthusiasts (and little explorers) will love wandering through Athlone Castle, while thrill-seekers can set sail on a Viking boat down the Shannon. If you love art, the Luan Gallery is a must visit. If you’re craving nature, Lough Ree is just around the corner, offering stunning views.
The Sheraton Athlone Hotel is a luxurious 4-star property located in the heart of Athlone’s vibrant town centre. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms equipped with the Sheraton Sleep Experience beds, flat-screen TVs and large private bathrooms. Some rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of Athlone and the River Shannon. The hotel is conveniently connected to the Athlone Town centre Shopping Centre and is within a 5-minute walk to riverside restaurants, bars and Athlone Castle.
The lighting in the lobby is warm and muted, instantly relaxing guests when you walk in the main entrance. Lots of snug areas allows guests to people watch or read a book watching time go by. We arrived on a Friday afternoon and the atmosphere was buzzing with excited guests and a mix of international and local visitors.
There is complimentary on-site parking, a children’s club featuring a movie area, gaming facilities and plenty of additional children’s games. For relaxation, the hotel features the Sirana Spa, inspired by the Sahara desert, offering a range of therapies and beauty treatments, along with access to three feature pools and a very big gym (for a city hotel)
Dining options include La Provence Brasserie, serving Irish and international cuisine and the S Bar, offering bar food and refreshing cocktails. We dined at La Provence and the food here is exquisite and highly recommended for a family dining option away from the busy bar. Harvest café on Level one has a selection of wholesome and homemade options, carvery dishes, gourmet sandwiches and plenty of tasty cakes. There is access to this café from the shopping centre.
The family rooms have plenty of space with two king size beds and a fold out sofa bed option for extra space and there is also an adjoining room family option for larger families.
Family fun things to do? There’s plenty to choose from including Bay Sports – Ireland’s largest outdoor inflatable waterpark, opens from May to August, Viking Tours, Athlone Castle, Glendeer Pet farm, Athlone equestrian Centre, Elevate entertainment center – the largest indoor entertainment centre, their features include a Go Kart track, a roller disco rink, Lazer Tag, Quasar, mini golf, axe throwing, bowling and lots more.
If you like more active outdoor activities, you can visit Dun Na Si Amenity & Heritage Park (pronounced Doon na Shee) named after the local folklore, Old Rail Trail, Lough Boora Discovery Park, Shannon Bank walks & Nature Trail or why not try a unique Hot tub boat that cruises along Lough Ree, soaking up the hot water while taking in the views along the waterway.
The hotel also provides exclusive complimentary access to the Yew Point Loop Trail & Fairy Trail at the Hodson Bay Hotel, which has 145 acres of unspoiled meadows and woodlands on the shores of Lough Ree.
For the visitors who like to sample the local tastes and flavours, the infamous Seans Bar (the oldest pub in Ireland) is a must visit, experience having a pint or sample their bespoke Irish whiskey with the locals amidst the sawdust floor atmosphere, sample beers on tap at Dead Centre Brewing, learn about distilling whiskey and its traditional connection with modern technology at lough Ree Distillery, Athlone Whiskey Tours offer a journey through Athlone sharing the forgotten stories of a once bustling industry. If you would like to stay centred around the hotel, the restaurant team at La Provence offer a wine tasting gathering, you can take part in the Harvest Café Bread Making activity and the S Bar have a Bistro Beer Tasting activity also.
If you’d rather skip the drive, buses and trains run regularly to Athlone and Galway’s bustling Eyre Square is easily accessible by both. Whether by car or public transport, this trip deserves a spot on your family’s Irish road trip list this year.
Travel facts
Easter Midterm offer for the Sheraton Athlone Hotel – Kids Eat Free offer available from €246 per night for a family room, Free kids main course with every adult meal purchased in the restaurant, Complimentary activities such as wine tasting; spa talks and more. Additional charge for Easter Kids Club for kids aged 4-12 years.
Published in the Irish Daily Mail 8/3/2025