Fabric of Athlone

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Discover how the town of Athlone regenerated itself following its destruction in the late 17th century. Follow the story of Athlone over the next 250 years and explore an extensive display of artefacts/objects representing Athlone’s indigenous industries, religion, communication, education and military history. A comprehensive timeline from 800AD to the present day encapsulates the events that shaped the town of Athlone. Learn how Athlone rediscovered its importance following its catastrophic destruction. The exhibition is designed like a patchwork quilt, a fabric of sorts, detailing the town’s eventual growth and prosperity.

Highlights from our Collection

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Early 1920’s football made of brown leather strips and laced with a cord. It was used during the 1924 Free State Cup Final between Athlone Town and Fordsons. It is on display in the Fabric of Athlone exhibition at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.
This late 18th or early 19th century Jug is decorated with black transfer rural scenes. One of those scenes depict ‘The Deserted Village from Goldsmith’s Poems’. Available for viewing in the Fabric of Athlone exhibition at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.
Large lock made of metal reinforced wood with a pair of skeleton keys. This lock is of a relic of the Ranelagh School in Athlone. Available for viewing in the Fabric of Athlone exhibition at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.
A close-up of a sleeve of a Regiment Officer Uniform c.1890 It is decorated with copious cording braid and toggles in navy and light-green colours. It is on display along with a collection of other army uniforms in the Fabric of Athlone exhibition at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.


“I gave the order for the making of the bridge of Athlone which I finished. A piece found serviceable I am sure durable it is and I think memorable.’’

Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy of Ireland 1567


“Athlone Woollen Mills gives employment to hundreds of people mostly girls and women, whose pale faces and drooping figures bore testimony to the wearing nature of their work.’’

Burton E Stevenson 1915


“The military barracks so long the buttress of English power in the midlands was vacated by the British troops and handed over to the Irish army headed by Commandant General Sean MacEoin.’’

Westmeath Independent 1922