Athlone sits on the River Shannon, with most of the town on the east bank and a smaller portion on the west bank in County Roscommon. The castle and the river crossing are the historic heart of the town, and the main streets, shops and hotels cluster around them.
For a visitor, the practical choice is between staying in the town centre, where you can walk to the castle, the bridge and the main streets, and staying on the edges of town or out by the lake, which suits drivers and those wanting quieter surroundings. This guide covers the areas the sources identify, what kind of base each one makes, and roughly what accommodation you will find there.
Best areas to stay in Athlone
1. Athlone town centre
The centre is where most of the accommodation is, on both sides of the river. The east bank holds the main commercial streets, while the west bank around the castle is a short walk across the bridge. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the castle, the river, the shops and the restaurants, and it is the obvious base if you are arriving by train or bus.
This suits first-time visitors and anyone without a car. You will find mid-range hotels and small B&Bs here. Note that the town centre is compact but the river divides it, so check which bank your accommodation is on if you plan to walk everywhere.
2. The western edge and Clonown Road area
The western side of town, including the Clonown Road area, is a quieter residential edge within reach of the centre. It suits travellers who want a calm base but still want to be close to town, and it works for those arriving by car since you are on the right side for routes heading west.
Accommodation here is small and friendly, mostly B&Bs. It is a short distance from the centre rather than in the middle of it, so you will likely walk or drive in for meals and sights.
3. The eastern edge and Dublin Road area
The eastern edge of town, along the Dublin Road and nearby streets, is where you find accommodation on the approach from the east. It suits motorists arriving from Dublin or the east and anyone who prefers to be on the edge of town rather than in the middle.
You will find budget and mid-range places here, including B&Bs at the eastern edge. It is a short drive or a longer walk from the centre, so it is less convenient if you are relying on foot.
4. Coosan and the lakeshore north of town
North of town towards Coosan Point, the setting changes to the shore of Lough Ree. This area suits those who want a quieter, more rural base and are interested in the lake and its boat traffic. It is a few kilometres from the centre, so a car or a lift into town is needed.
Accommodation here is limited and tends towards small, characterful places. The trade-off is the distance from the town's streets and services.
5. Glasson and the eastern lakeshore
Glasson, on the eastern shore of the lake, is a separate village setting rather than a town district. It suits visitors who want a lakeside stay with views and are happy to drive into Athlone for everything else. This is the area for a quieter, more upscale base.
Accommodation here is at the higher end, with lodges by the water. You will need a car, as it is a drive from the town centre and its amenities.
6. Hodson Bay and the Roscommon Road
Hodson Bay, off the Roscommon Road north of Athlone, sits on the western shore of Lough Ree. It suits those who want to be by the lake and are focused on water activities, and it works well for drivers heading north or west afterwards.
This is a resort-style area with larger hotels. It is several kilometres from the town centre, so plan on driving for meals, shops and the castle.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Small B&Bs, some with self-catering apartments, and simple budget hotels. These are found in the town centre, on the western edge and on the eastern edge of town, and some are dog-friendly.
- Mid-range: Comfortable town-centre hotels, some with fitness centres and pools, plus welcoming B&Bs at the edges of town and a small eco-minded place north of town. Several mid-range options sit on the main roads into town and suit motorists.
- Splurge: Upscale lakeside lodges and a larger hotel on the shore of Lough Ree, offering comfort, service and views, with lake activities nearby.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Athlone town centre. It puts the castle, the river and the main streets within walking distance, and it is the most convenient choice if you are arriving by train or bus. You can then decide on later trips whether a lakeside or edge-of-town base suits you better.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to stay in Athlone?
No, if you stay in the town centre, where you can walk to the main sights and transport links. A car is useful if you choose a lakeside or edge-of-town base such as Coosan, Glasson or Hodson Bay, which are a few kilometres from the centre.
Which side of the river should I stay on?
Most of the town lies on the east bank, and the castle is on the west bank. Both sides are connected by the bridge, so either works for walking, but check the location of your accommodation if you plan to be on foot.
Where should I stay if I want to be by the lake?
Look at the areas north of town towards Coosan Point, the eastern shore at Glasson, or Hodson Bay off the Roscommon Road. These are the lakeside settings, and all require a car or a lift into Athlone.
Is the town centre noisy?
The sources do not flag noise as an issue in the centre. The main practical difference between areas is distance from the town and whether you need a car, rather than noise levels.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.