Athlone Castle set for major redevelopment and nine-month closure

Athlone Castle Visitor Centre will close from 19 October 2025 for an extensive redevelopment, with reopening expected in Autumn 2026. Westmeath County Council is leading the project, supported by €3.2 million from Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, co-funded under the EU Just Transition Fund.

The redevelopment focuses on enhancing the visitor experience, with upgrades to utilities, mechanical systems, and the layout of the centre. Key improvements include refurbishment of the courtyard, reception, and retail areas, along with new exhibition spaces across seven internal zones and multiple external interpretive areas. The project also introduces a coffee kiosk, staff accommodation, and modern AV and display technologies.

Tender documents outline meticulous conservation works, including restoration of original materials, staircase reconfigurations, and widening of key openings. The base-build works will create a “shell” ready to receive exhibitions and furniture fit-out, ensuring that historical integrity is preserved while delivering a modern, accessible, and engaging visitor journey.

Athlone Arts & Tourism is encouraging visitors to explore alternative attractions in the town, such as the Luan Gallery, Dean Crowe Theatre, river cruises, and other leisure and cultural activities during the closure.

The redevelopment positions Athlone Castle as a flagship cultural destination within the Hidden Heartlands region, emphasising heritage interpretation, interactive experiences, and enhanced visitor engagement. Once complete, the centre aims to offer a compelling mix of history, technology, and hospitality.

Discover more about the plans for Athlone Castle’s transformation and what it means for regional tourism in the full article.