Athlone Day Trips: Top 5 Spots You Gotta See!

Thinking of getting away from Athlone for the day? Like your starting to wonder what kinda adventures are just sitting nearby? Actually, it’s almost unreal how many cool spots are within easy reach, waiting to be explored. So, that’s why I have put together a list of what are, in my opinion, some of the finest day trips from Athlone, just for you, so you too can discover some new favorites! Actually these spots are packed with neat history, awesome nature, and all sorts of things that could just make for an amazing day out.

1. Clonmacnoise: A Glimpse into Ireland’s Past

Clonmacnoise is truly special, you know? Seriously, this is almost like stepping back in time, or something. Very much situated on the banks of the River Shannon, so it’s found in a place that feels ancient. It’s a site that could be important, dating back to the 6th century. That site showcases some unreal early Christian ruins. I think those ruins kinda include high crosses and churches, yet everything just quietly tells stories of monks and scholars from a bygone era.

I reckon that if you too explore the grounds, it is important to try and picture the lives of those who once called Clonmacnoise home. So that place was truly a centre of learning and pilgrimage, in fact! In a way that would mean visitors would come from far and wide! Now there’s a thought! To experience its unique spiritual atmosphere is something really special. Anyway, it’s definitely worth making the short trip from Athlone, because its got so much unique atmosphere to it!

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2. Lough Boora Discovery Park: Nature’s Playground

Now, if you feel like getting outdoors and want that breath of fresh air? Well Lough Boora Discovery Park could be what you like! Now, it’s not your usual park, very different in many ways, you know? So this area actually used to be a peat bog. It got turned into a kinda amazing landscape of lakes and walking trails and different habitats. Honestly its so amazing how diverse the park is!

Walking and cycling trails just crisscross the park! Actually there’s opportunities for spotting wildlife as you walk. A great day can be easily spent discovering all the cool sculptural work! All this while really just enjoying the calmness of the bogs, I guess. As I was saying, Lough Boora offers like something a bit for everyone! I recommend bringing a picnic and soaking up the surroundings!

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3. Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre: A Blend of Beauty and Innovation

Birr Castle Gardens, very much in the neat town of Birr, now offers a mix of beauty, science, and some fascinating history, you know. Like it’s home to pretty special gardens with some remarkable collections of plants and flowers that just thrive in the castle’s grounds. However, just past the plants! You too can explore a cool science centre.

Oh that actually contains the Great Telescope, so for nearly 70 years it remained the biggest telescope on Earth. Now, It really would be something to marvel at this feat of engineering and to just wonder at the ingenuity of the Parsons family, whom created all that I’m talking about! You know it’s a day trip that kinda stimulates the mind and soothes the soul!

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4. Fore Abbey: A Village with Seven Wonders

So, about an hour’s drive from Athlone brings you to Fore Abbey. It actually has a very interesting village in County Westmeath, I understand. That, arguably, is also home to some legendary ‘Seven Wonders of Fore.’ You have them, but they are a mill without a stream and a church without a roof!

The historical sites around the countryside kind of hint that it does contain what has happened. This really would be something. A massive castle and that too is just a great historical spot, you know. Very different from the regular historical buildings it too actually houses monks who are buried with you. So its good as you get a guided tour where the locals would show the spots!

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5. Tullynally Castle & Gardens: A Fairytale Escape

Honestly, this is a bit out of a fairytale book I tell you. This amazing castle houses secret woodlands along the scenic routes just 1:30 hours away. So, they actually offer various attractions along the grounds that keep your wondering and they have all that to keep the kids and family members from losing interest in just exploring the scenic routes. The staff will always engage you. I guarantee you.

You get to eat there as well! Well some do bring snacks to enjoy as you stroll or walk down memory lane, this also can bring you some peace as the surrounding wildlife also take part in the beauty! A massive lake actually lies on the site as the area spans at about 12 acres. Which is quite something. Now, for a historical trip it can be just one you were hoping to be going for so give it a try.

Read our full review: Tullynally Castle Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Tullynally Castle)

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