Athlone is a hive of activity for families looking for a town that feels like a holiday away. Located in the heart of Ireland along the River Shannon, Athlone is a charming town rich in history and culture. Notable landmarks include Athlone Castle, a 12th-century fortress with panoramic views and a museum and St. Peter and Paul’s Church with its stunning interiors. The Luan Gallery showcases contemporary art, reflecting the town’s vibrant arts scene.
Nature lovers can explore Lough Ree for boating and fishing or enjoy scenic walks along the Shannon Banks Nature Trail. The town centre offers a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants serving both traditional Irish food and modern cuisine. The Hodson Bay hotel is the perfect choice for families to explore Athlone. The Hodson Bay has over 20 family suites which are more than average size rooms, some are two bed suites which could easily be shared between two solo parents travelling together, looking for a family break away.
On arriving at the Hodson Bay, you may not even want to leave, as everything is there to keep children and parents entertained and busy. Baysports is Ireland’s biggest inflatable water park and is based right beside the hotel. They have a range of award winning floating slides, rockers, obstacle sections, kayaks, peddle boats and more. You have an hour out on this floating work out space. It felt like I was in the army as we coaxed each other along and down the slides, screaming and swimming back up to do it all again. I highly recommend a visit here even after the aching body the next day. Lots of fun for the children and active parents (you will need to be fit 😊)
After lunch at the hotel (great selection and good size children’s portions), we showered, changed and headed into Athlone Castle for a guided tour with the informative Davina. The castle is Located on one side of the Shannon and is worth a visit to hear all about The Battle of the Boyne and the unsung heroes who are remembered at the castle museum. Another great family tourist visit to add to your list.
We ventured back to the hotel for a 4th of July buffet, aptly named, “Gin-dependence Day”- that the Hodson Bay put on for the local businesses in the community to catch up and network. Presented in one of the huge event rooms and beautifully decorated with a fourth of July theme. Traditional burgers, ribs, fries, hot dogs and a selection of American style cakes were there for all to savour, as well as local alcohol brands Sling Shot gin and Bart’s whiskey from Lough Ree Distillery. The Hodson Bay is a perfect destination for families this Summer and a short drive from Dublin brings you right to this lakeside hotel.
The next day we set off to Dungarvan, a three hour drive from Athlone. Dungarvan is a coastal town in County Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. Overlooking Dungarvan Bay, the town features the 12th-century Dungarvan Castle, offering a glimpse into its medieval past. The town centre is lively and filled with shops, cafes and traditional pubs and is known for its excellent local seafood and farm-to-table dining. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Waterford Greenway, a scenic walking and cycling trail and Clonea Strand, a nearby beach perfect for swimming and water sports. We checked in to the Dungarvan Park Hotel, located across from the Colligan river. The hotel also offers a self-catering option of holiday homes for bigger families which is where we were staying. The houses have three good size bedrooms which would sleep five and could also sleep two more children downstairs on blow up beds or the couches. They have plenty of room for cooking, a nice outdoor back garden, parking and you have use of the hotel facilities and dining. It’s a good base to explore this picturesque area which we did. You can also book bikes for the greenway trail at the hotel with local business, The Greenway Man.
Depending on how many days you have and how many castles you want to visit, there is lots to see – Lismore castle, Ardmore Round Tower and gorgeous seaside town, Cappoquin House & Gardens, Reginald’s Tower Museum, Waterford Castle & Dungarvan Castle and newly renovated Montgreve Gardens, is a must visit. In close proximity, Youghal is a 30 minute drive, with a boardwalk right along the beachfront, ideal for a stroll with the family and finished off with a swim. If you like unique places to stay, The Lighthouse Keeps Her is also available for holiday rentals along the beachfront. Who doesn’t want to stay at an original lighthouse!
Dungarvan is fast becoming a foodie haven with many restaurants booked out most weekends, so book well in advance. You can always get a fish and chip supper and eat it along the harbour or at one of the sandy beaches. This place has a seaside kinda holiday vibe and all along the copper coast, you will be mesmerised by panoramic seascape views, cliffs, coves and rocky headlands – like scenes from a pirate movie.
Greenways, glorious sandy coves, seafood menus to die for, a smorgasbord of family activities available in the many hotels from Athlone to Waterford. Pack up your car and explore the Irish summer, one raincoat at a time.
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Published in The Irish Daily Mail 10/8/2024