Athlone
Athlone, Ireland, (Irish: Baile Átha Luain) lies on the River Shannon near the southern extremity of Lough Ree, some 130 km (80 miles) west of Dublin. The west side of Athlone forms part of County Roscommon while the larger east side lies in County Westmeath. The towns population was 15,936 as of 2004 - slightly more than Mullingar's - fueling the rivalry between the two towns.
Geography
Athlone sits near the geographical center of Ireland. Nearby are Moate on the Dublin road, Ballinasloe on the Galway road, and Tang on the road to Ballymahon, County Longford.
Education
The State Examinations Commission as well as Athlone Institute of Technology are both located on the east side of town. The State Examinations Commission is responsible for the preparation and marking of the Junior Certificate exam and the Leaving Certificate exam. The Athlone Institute of Technology is a third level insitution which provides both Degree and Diploma courses.
Commerce/Industry
Recent developments including the Golden Island shopping centre have made a big improvement to the range of activites available to residents. Athlone's major employers include many global companies (such as Ericsson) aswell as successful local firms (such as Elán).
Tourism
The local marina is a favored stop among tourists on the River Shannon. The pike fishing is excellent along this stretch of the river. Visitors can also enjoy vistas of the Castle and St. Peter and Paul's on the west bank of the Shannon.
History
There is a castle at the heart of the town. Clonmacnoise, a famous monastic site with a round tower and spectacular Celtic crosses is just a short distance south of town on the banks of the Shannon. On the east side of town, off North Gate Street, is an intact example of the famine-era workhouses. The building, renamed St. Mary's Hall, now hosts several youth groups and includes a large meeting room. Within the site of the workhouse building is an historical abbey. The Siege of Athlone took place in the town.
Famous people from Athlone
