The River Shannon

The mighty River Shannon is central to Athlone’s identity and has given it life and purpose since at least the Bronze Age. This important relationship between static space and ever-flowing river grew in importance from about 1,000 years ago when King Turlough O’Connor of Connacht first used it as a fording point for raids into neighbouring Leinster and then fortified the crossing point itself. The historical details of that first fortified point are slim but then, as now, Athlone could likely have been a place for meeting, eating and drinking with people from all over.

This was certainly the case for the Vikings who loved travelling up the Shannon to raid rich monasteries like Clonmacnoise (hence the need for its iconic and still-standing round tower). In fact Athlone became the venue for a settling of Scandinavian scores as Limerick Vikings travelled up the Shannon to fight their brethren from Dublin some time in 937.

The martial and defensive importance of Athlone expanded from King Turlough’s early castle, with the invading Normans settling on the crossing point in the 12th century and building sturdier bridges and the even more robust Athlone Castle. So strong were those initial defensive features, and expanded ones added in the 13th century, that they are still apparent today. The Shannon at Athlone also became a potential route of invasion during the Napoleonic Wars, leading to its garrison being expanded and further defensive features on the river being added.

Tower at Clonmacnoise
Fishing on the Shannon
Swans on the River Shannon

Animal Life

But of course there’s so much more to the beautiful Shannon than human history, with the river and its surrounding floodplains and wetlands being a rich haven of biodiversity and animal life. For thousands of years the people’s of the area fished the river for salmon, trout and other fish which continues today with eels and coarse fishing also popular for sport. The wet grasslands surrounding the Shannon are also home many types of bird like the curlew, sandpiper and redshank, along with typical river birds such as herons and swans.

The fertile and diverse nature of the Shannon, in terms of flora, fauna and human activity has had a huge impact on Athlone itself. Large numbers of people come to traverse the river, visit the town and enjoy its hospitality, food and drink. If you’ve come to see the town and the mighty Shannon and looking for somewhere to eat Athlone has you covered.

Visit

18 Sean Costello St, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 D624

Open Every Day

Mon - Thur:  12pm - 11:30pm
Fri: 12pm - 12:30am
Sat: 12pm - 12:30am
Sun 12pm - 11pm

Food Served 12pm - 9pm

Dark Horse logo in Orange

Great Food, Cocktails, Beer, Live Sports and Private Functions. In the Heart of Ireland, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Talk to us today for any enquires using the form.

 

2 + 14 =