Bus Hire in Athlone

Athlone is the largest town in the Irish Midlands and sits at the crossing of the River Shannon at the boundary between Connacht and Leinster. The town is the geographical centre of Ireland and the principal road junction on the Dublin-Galway M6 motorway. Athlone Castle (a 12th-century Norman fortification on the west bank of the Shannon) is the principal heritage site in the town, with an interpretive exhibition covering the history of the Shannon crossing.

The monastic site of Clonmacnoise (20 kilometres south of Athlone via the N62 and minor roads to the Shannon bank) is one of the most important early Christian monastic sites in Ireland: founded by St Ciarán in 545 AD, it was the burial place of the High Kings of Connacht and holds the finest collection of early Christian grave slabs and high crosses outside the National Museum. Lough Ree (the northern reach of the River Shannon, immediately north of Athlone) is the second-largest lake in the Republic of Ireland and the site of several lake islands with early monastic settlements accessible by boat.

Clonmacnoise and the Shannon Corridor

Clonmacnoise (20 kilometres south of Athlone via the R357 and minor roads to the Shannon east bank at Shannonbridge, approximately 30 minutes) is a UNESCO tentative heritage site and the most visited early medieval site in the Irish Midlands. The site contains the ruins of a cathedral, two round towers, three high crosses (including the Cross of the Scriptures with its carved biblical panels), the remains of eight churches, and a collection of over 600 early Christian grave slabs housed in the interpretive centre. Coaches park in the OPW car park adjacent to the entrance; a full visit takes approximately 90 minutes. The Esker Riada (a glacial gravel ridge running east-west through the midlands, historically the main east-west route across Ireland) is visible from the Clonmacnoise site.

Athlone Castle and the Shannon River

Athlone Castle (on Castle Street, on the west bank of the Shannon) is a 12th-century Norman fortification with a 13th-century cylindrical keep, restored and fitted with a heritage interpretive exhibition in 2012. The castle was the site of the Battle of Athlone (1691), one of the decisive engagements of the Williamite War, when the Williamite forces crossed the Shannon. The town quays on both banks of the Shannon are used for river cruises and hire boats on Lough Ree; the Viking Ship River Tours depart from the Sean's Bar side (the oldest pub in Ireland, established 900 AD according to the Guinness World Records, on the west bank). Coach parking is in the Athlone Castle car park and on the north quay.

Lough Ree Islands and the Midlands Waterway

Lough Ree extends 27 kilometres north of Athlone and covers approximately 105 square kilometres, making it the second-largest lake in the Republic. The lake has over 50 islands, several with early monastic remains: Saints' Island (with a 13th-century Augustinian priory), Inchcleraun (with a 7th-century monastic enclosure, the site of the legendary Medb's bathing pool), and Inchmacnerin (with a 12th-century church ruin). Boat hire and guided lake tours operate from Athlone Quay in summer. Goldsmith Country (south-east of Lough Ree in County Longford and Roscommon) is associated with Oliver Goldsmith and forms part of the Lakelands and Inland Waterways tourism region.

What Bus Hire Costs in Athlone

As a rough guide, a minibus (up to 19 seats) in Athlone runs around 245 to 460 EUR per day, a midi-coach (around 35 seats) around 410 to 790 EUR per day, and a full-size coach (49 to 55 seats) around 625 to 1,190 EUR per day. Athlone is a midlands market with moderate year-round demand from the Dublin-Galway corridor. The busiest periods are summer (June to August) for Clonmacnoise and Shannon cruising groups. The final figure depends on your route, the date, and how long you need the vehicle and driver. We confirm a fixed price with no hidden charges, so send your details for a free quote.

Services Available in Athlone