EPF 2006: Athlone (Irlanda)

Athlone located in the centre of Ireland is a thriving town on the banks of the River Shannon. It is an ideal destination for a holiday, weekend break or business trip. The town offers extensive choices in quality accommodation, restaurants, shops, pubs, sport & leisure activities and entertainment.
At the heart of Athlone, both geographically and historically, is the castle. The military history of the town dates back to antiquity. The ford of Athlone is strategically important, as south of Athlone the Shannon is impassable until Clonmacnoise (where the Esker Riada meets the Shannon), and north is Lough Ree. In 1001 Brian Bóruma led his army from Kincora into the town, his fleet sailing up the river via Lough Derg to attend the gathering.
During the wars that wracked Ireland in the seventeenth century, Athlone held a vital position, holding the main bridge over the River Shannon into Connacht. In the Irish Confederate Wars 1641-1653, the town was held by Irish Confederate troops until it was taken late in 1650 by Charles Cooote, who attacked the town from the west, having crossed into Connacht at Sligo.

Forty years later, during the Williamite war in Ireland, the town was again of central strategic importance, being one of the Jacobite strongholds on the defending their position after they had retreated west after the battle of the Boyne. At the first battle of Athlone in 1690 the Jacobite forces of Colonel Richard Grace repelled an attack by 10,000 men lead by Commander Douglas. The following year the Siege of Athlone saw a further assault in which the troops of King William III eventually prevailed against the outnumbered defenders.
The current bridge was built in the 19th century to replace the old bridge which was becoming dangerous to the increasing volume of traffic. Originally the bridge had a moveable section which was decomissioned in the early 20th century. This is the reason for the large footings and metal railings on the Connaught side.
Clonmacnoise, a famous monastic site with a round tower and spectacular Celtic crosses, lies on the east bank of the Shannon some 14 km south of the town (24 km by road). Clonmacnoise itself was an important ford since antiquity. The Normans built a castle there to defend a bridge.
During the 19th century, the Board of Works built a weir wall south of Athlone to improve the navigation of the river. During the summer foolhardy young men attempt to walk across the wall from Connaught to Leinster. The river at this location has a very strong current and many people have drowned attempting to swim the Shannon here.
Other fortifications include the ruins of a battery just to the north of Athlone (in an area now a nature reserve) and a large artificial hill called "The Batteries" upon which council housing has been built. On the Leinster side of the town, remains of defences built in the 19th century to help thwart a French attack still exist, particularly around the offices of the Town council. The Connaught side was defended by a fosse which no longer exists.