🚤 Why Athlone Is a Perfect Family Destination
If you’re planning boating holidays in Ireland, Athlone is the perfect stop for a fun and memorable family adventure. This charming town, located right on the River Shannon, offers a great mix of history, nature, and exciting activities for kids and parents alike. Whether you’re looking for a short day trip or a longer stay, Athlone has something for everyone. With a Shannon boat hire, you can explore at your own pace, docking at different spots to enjoy everything this lively destination has to offer.
Athlone lends itself equally well to a day trip during your boating holidays in Ireland, or an extended stay to explore its many facets at your own pace. With its soothing landscapes and friendly atmosphere, it promises unforgettable memories for the whole family.
🏰 What Are the Best Things to Do in Athlone for Families ?
1️⃣ Explore Athlone Castle: A Journey Through Time
Athlone Castle is a real plunge into history that will delight the whole family. Children will be immediately captivated by the interactive exhibits specially designed to arouse their curiosity while having fun. They’ll discover fascinating stories and immersive animations that bring centuries past to life. Once you’ve finished exploring the rooms, be sure to climb to the top of the castle walls: the panoramic view over Athlone and the River Shannon is simply breathtaking. It’s the perfect moment to take a break and admire the scenery. For an even richer experience, take advantage of the family-friendly guided tours available on site. Passionate guides captivate young and old alike with accessible anecdotes and lively narratives, transforming discovery of the château into a true family adventure.
2️⃣ Set Sail on the River Shannon with a Boat Trip
Our cruises around Athlone are designed with families in mind, with child-friendly itineraries to help them get the most out of the experience. The joy of sailing together is multiplied tenfold if you choose a rental boat, as with Locaboat, where young and old can take part in the maneuvering in good spirits. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled: the riverbanks are full of surprises, with a wide variety of wildlife to observe, from majestic birds to more discreet animals. It’s an excellent opportunity to share a moment of complicity in the midst of nature, and to enjoy your boating holidays in Ireland to the full, in a setting as peaceful as it is spectacular.
3️⃣ Have a Fun-Filled Day at Baysports Water Park
Head for Baysports, Ireland’s largest inflatable water park! This paradise for children and adults alike offers safe, supervised fun for the whole family. Gigantic inflatables challenge the most daring, while the youngest can enjoy age-appropriate zones. And for a change of pace, try your hand at kayaking or paddleboarding adventures: an original way for the whole family to enjoy an aquatic experience in the heart of magnificent scenery. Baysports is the perfect stopover to enhance your stay and create unforgettable memories, especially if you explore the region with your Shannon boat hire nearby.
4️⃣ Discover the Magic of Viking Tours
Add a touch of originality to your family adventure by coming aboard Athlone’s Viking Tours! This unique concept invites you to step back in time on a boat ride full of surprises. Children will be enchanted by the exciting stories told by our costumed guides, who will introduce them to Viking life in Ireland in a fun and immersive way. Captivating anecdotes and carefully recreated settings immerse the whole family in the atmosphere of a distant era, while enjoying the enchanting scenery of the River Shannon. It’s the perfect activity to combine relaxation and discovery, and enrich your boating holidays in Ireland with a lively and memorable experience.
5️⃣ Enjoy Outdoor Adventures at Portlick Forest
Treat yourself to a breath of fresh air at Portlick Forest. This tranquil haven is ideal for families who want to enjoy nature at their own pace. Child-friendly hiking trails wind through the forest, offering superb views of the nearby lake. It’s the perfect place for a picnic by the water, surrounded by birdsong and scenic beauty. Along the way, you may even catch a glimpse of some of the wild inhabitants of the area, much to the delight of young explorers. Easily accessible from your boat stopovers, this nature getaway is a great way to round off your stay with moments of calm and wonder.
6️⃣ Visit Glendeer Pet Farm: A Hands-On Experience for Kids
Glendeer Pet Farm is the perfect place to give your children an unforgettable encounter with adorable animals. Here, the youngest can approach, pet and even feed farm animals in a safe and educational environment. It’s a sensory and interactive experience that always amazes little visitors. But Glendeer doesn’t stop there: the farm also features indoor and outdoor play areas, perfect for prolonging the fun after visiting the paddocks. Slides, swings and other play structures allow children to let off steam while having fun. It’s an ideal activity for families with young children, who want a fun and friendly break from their adventure around Athlone. A real breath of fresh air to include in your itinerary!
7️⃣ Relax at Burgess Park & Playground
For a moment of outdoor relaxation, Burgess Park is the perfect place. This central park offers a safe and engaging play area where children can play freely while parents enjoy a well-deserved moment of rest. The shaded picnic areas are ideal for a gourmet break between two explorations of the city. Easily accessible thanks to its central location, Burgess Park is also perfect for a quick stopover during your boating holidays in Ireland, or simply to let the kids loose after a morning of sightseeing. Whether you’re looking for a short break or a full afternoon out, the park promises an enjoyable time for the whole family in a green and relaxing setting.
🌦️ What to Do in Athlone with Family When It Rains ?
Located on the west bank of the river, near to Athlone Castle is Sean’s Bar. With a documented history going back to 900AD, Sean’s Bar in Athlone is Ireland’s oldest pub and is listed in The Guinness Book of Records. To find out more about the history of Sean’s Bar, there is a pub tour at 11am every day. A visit to the bar is well worth it as there is a great atmosphere and you can sink a pint of Guinness or sip the signature Irish whiskey by the fire whilst chatting to locals and tourists and listening to some traditional Irish music.
8️⃣ Dive Into Fun at Athlone Regional Sports Centre
When the weather turns bad, head to the Athlone Regional Sports Centre for a good dose of energy and good humor! This modern sports center boasts an indoor swimming pool with a special children’s area, guaranteeing hours of water fun in complete safety. Families can also take advantage of a range of sports activities for all ages, such as gymnastics and other fitness activities, perfect for keeping active even on rainy days. Whether you’re just passing through for a few hours or looking for a regular activity during your stay, Athlone’s sports center guarantees dynamic and refreshing family moments.
9️⃣ Get Creative at Abbey Road Artists' Studios
For a more artistic experience, push open the door to Abbey Road Artists’ Studios. This inspiring venue regularly hosts children’s art workshops, where youngsters can express their creativity by trying out different techniques. It’s also a great opportunity to discover the talent of local artists and immerse yourself in Athlone’s creative world. Perfect to fill a rainy afternoon, this warm and inviting space invites young and old to share a moment of inspiration and fun. What’s more, adding a cultural activity to your itinerary enriches the experience of your boating holidays in Ireland, by combining leisure activities with local discoveries.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Athlone with Kids ?
Not only does Athlone offer exciting activities for the whole family, it’s also a gourmet town where young and old alike will find something to satisfy their taste buds. For a convivial meal, head to The Fatted Calf, a friendly restaurant that makes a point of welcoming families with its relaxed atmosphere and specially designed children’s menu. If you’re looking for healthy and tasty options, Savory Fare is your address of choice: here, the dishes are as beautiful as they are tasty, designed to please young and old alike. Finally, after a great day’s exploring or a trip on the River Shannon, treat yourself to a sweet break at Beans & Leaves. This cosy café is the perfect place to enjoy a sweet treat with the whole family and share a well-deserved moment of relaxation. It’s sure to make your boating holidays in Ireland even more memorable, with local flavors that appeal to all ages!
🛶 Experience Athlone Differently with Locaboat
Why a Locaboat Trip Is Perfect for Families
Opting for a Locaboat adventure means choosing a family getaway full of charm and freedom. Sailing on the River Shannon offers a new way to discover Athlone and the surrounding area, away from the hustle and bustle, and following the peaceful rhythm of the water. Easy to maneuver and accessible without a license, Locaboat boats guarantee a stress-free experience, ideal for parents wishing to enjoy the trip with their children. On board, everything is designed with the family in mind: safe spaces, optimal comfort and adapted equipment. You can enjoy your meals while admiring the scenery, or take breaks to swim and explore the must-see sites. This type of adventure fits perfectly into your boating holidays in Ireland, for unforgettable family moments.
What Family-Friendly Stops Can You Make with Locaboat?
One of the great pleasures of a Locaboat cruise is the freedom to stop wherever you like to enjoy the most beautiful ports of call around Athlone. Dock near Athlone Castle to immerse yourself in local history and explore the town on foot. For a day full of laughter and water adventure, head straight for Baysports Water Park, easily accessible from the river. If you’re a nature lover, don’t miss Portlick Forest, perfect for a family stroll and picnic in the great outdoors. And for those who want to extend their adventure, head for Clonmacnoise, one of Ireland’s most famous monastic sites. These varied stops will make your shannon boat hire even more rewarding, with precious memories at every port of call.
Plan your next trip to Athlone
Athlone Castle “Athlone Castle, Ireland DSC04453” by Joey Studts is licenced under CC BY 2.0
Lough Ree “Sunset” by Bob Fox is licenced under CC BY 2.0 Old Rail Trail Greenway “athlone mullingar greenway” by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
