Athlone

The Irish town of Athlone ( Irish: Áth Luain (pronounced / ' ah'lu: ən ' /) or Baile Átha Luain (pronounced / ' bal'a'lu: ən ' / ) ) has according to Census 2011 15 488 inhabitants and is located at the southern end of Lough Ree schilfumwachsenen, about 130 kilometers west of Dublin. The western part of the city lies in County Roscommon, the much larger eastern part in County Westmeath. Athlone is located almost in the geographical center of Ireland.

Athlone ( Áth = ford ) is a transport hub and since ancient times the most important crossing of the River Shannon. Here cross the streets today N6 in east-west direction and N61 or N62 in North-South direction. The city today has special meaning for the tourist Shannon shipping.

History

In the city center is located Athlone Castle, in which the local Tourist Office is housed today. Athlone Castle was first established in the 13th century AD. The castle was in the course of the centuries many battles and was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. 1697 about destroyed during a storm, a lightning strike into the powder magazine the entire castle and 64 surrounding buildings.

To the east of the city you can still find an intact house from the time of the great famine, the St. Mary's Hall, which today serves as a hostel for youth groups. Originally there was an abbey, from which emanated the colonization of Athlone.

On the west bank of the Shannon, the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is located.

1933 was the first major station in Athlone Ireland in operation.

School, education, industry

In the eastern part Athlone are the State Examinations Commission, which organizes the central school exams Junior Certificate and the Leaving Certificate, and the Athlone Institute of Technology.

In October 2004, a new, very modern library was opened.

International companies such as Ericsson are among the largest employers.

Broadcaster

In Athlone went in 1933, the first major stations in Ireland in operation. It uses a T antenna as a transmitting antenna.

Twinning

Since 1975 there has been twinned with the French Châteaubriant.

Personalities

• The tenor John McCormack (1884-1945), and the politician Mary O'Rourke ( b. 1937 ) and Seán Fallon ( 1937-1995 ) were born here. The painter Richard Rothwell (1800-1868) came from Athlone.
• Richard and Grizel Steevens lived here after her father had fled from England ahead of Oliver Cromwell. He worked at the St. Mary's Church.