Travel to Athlone - Ireland - History

Athlone - History

Athlone town, Irish Baile Átha Luain, is situated in the far southwest of the county, on Westmeath's border with Roscommon. Athlone derives its name from "Ath Luain", meaning, "Ford of the Moon". A town often referred to as the central point of Ireland, its proximity to the river Shannon adds greatly to its significance.

The earliest evidence of settlement in the locality is a megalithic tomb, dating from circa 2500 B.C., at Drum on the western edge of the town and artifacts from the Bronze Age have been recovered from the riverbed.

The town has always been an important garrison town. In the 12^th century the area, previously fortified by the kings of Uí Maine and Connaught (Connacht), was seized by the Anglo-Normans. Their motte (palisade) castle was built in 1210 and underwent repairs in 1547.

Standing on the Castle overlooking Shannon and the old Leinster town of Athlone, is as good a spot as any to reflect on the Siege of Athlone. During the Jacobite War of 1689-1690, a Williamite attack on Athlone in 1690 was driven off.

The following year in June the town was again attacked, this time by the whole Williamite army led by the Dutch general, Godard de Ginkle. The battle lasted ten days. The Williamites quickly overran the Leinster town and then subjected the tiny Connacht town to one of the heaviest artillery bombardments in Irish History. But the Jacobites broke down several arches of the bridge and in furious fighting resisted the Williamite attempt to repair it.

Finally on June 30^th, 1691, a courageous sudden attack across a ford a little below the bridge caught the Jacobites by surprise and the Williamites captured the Connacht town. The Williamites went on to win the war and, for his services, Ginkle was created Earl of Athlone.

It is an important regional fair and market centre. The district's industries include wool and cotton textiles, machinery, electrical cable, and plastics. It is a centre for pleasure cruising, and there is a regional technical college. Pop. (1981) 9,444; (1991) 8,170.

click to go back