Athlone

1,390 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Athlone, from 0 m² to 40,990 m² (4.1 ha, 10.13 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 122 neighbouring parcels touch it.

• R2Established Residential (Existing residential)
  ATLAP 2014-2020, Westmeath · 1,088 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• M2Mixed Use (City/Town/village Centre, central area)
  ATLAP 2014-2020, Westmeath · 188 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• R1Proposed Residential (New/proposed residential)
  ATLAP 2014-2020, Westmeath · 33 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• G1Open Space (Open space, park)
  ATLAP 2014-2020, Westmeath · 23 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• C1.1Commercial (Commercial, retail)
  ATLAP 2014-2020, Westmeath · 19 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• C1.2Retail Warehousing (Retail warehouse)
  ATLAP 2014-2020, Westmeath · 11 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• G3Open Space (Conservation, amenity or buffer space, corridor/belt, landscape)
  ATLAP 2014-2020, Westmeath · 8 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• S3Community, Educational & Institutional (Community facilities)
  ATLAP 2014-2020, Westmeath · 7 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• G5Sporting Recreational (Mixed/general 'green'/recreation/conservation, other)
  ATLAP 2014-2020, Westmeath · 6 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• C2.1Enterprise & Employment (Industrial, enterprise, employment)
  ATLAP 2014-2020, Westmeath · 6 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• S1Community, Educational & Institutional (Education)
  ATLAP 2014-2020, Westmeath · 5 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• S2Community, Educational & Institutional (Health and related)
  ATLAP 2014-2020, Westmeath · 4 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• S4Community, Educational & Institutional (General public administration)
  ATLAP 2014-2020, Westmeath · 2 parcels The zoning objective in the plan

Source: Tailte Éireann and the Department of Housing (MyPlan), national zoning, CC BY 4.0.

• 4 Sept 2026N/a

  Change of use from class 2 (financial services) to class (medical centre/doctors surgery) together with minor interior alterations and replacement external signage at ground floor

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2660468

• 27 Aug 2026N/a

  Retention Permission is being sought for a stand alone beauty parlour at the rear of her existing hairdressers. The application will also include retention permission for an extension to the rear of her existing hairdressers and retention permission for two number apartments on the first floor. Also included in this application is: (a) Alteration to the first floor apartments which will include the reduction of one bedroom in each of the apartments b) An extension to the ground floor hairdressers which will connect the existing hairdressers to the stand alone beauty parlour at the rear (c) The inclusion of private open space to the rear of the site for the use of the first floor apartments

  Retention · Westmeath County Council, 2660454

• 25 Aug 2026N/a

  retention permission for a single storey flat roof extension to an existing dwelling including the conversion of existing outbuildings into habitable accommodation, and all ancillary works

  Retention · Westmeath County Council, 2660446

• 7 Aug 2026N/a

  permission to extend existing house. The extension to the west of the dwelling will include an additional 2 bedrooms and living quarters. The application will also include changes to the existing elevations and all associated site works and drainage.

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2660417

• 6 Aug 2026N/a

  Extension of Duration for 1) The construction of a total of 62 residential units consisting of (a) 28 four-bedroom semi-detached houses (b) 6 four-bedroom terraced houses (c) 16 three-bedroom terraced houses (d) 6 two-bedroom own-door apartments (e) 6 three-bedroom own-door duplex apartments; 2) Pedestrian and vehicular entrance/egress from Coosan Link Road to the north 3) All associated landscaping, vehicular surface car parking, bicycle parking, refuse storage, boundary treatments and all associated site development works and services

  Extension of duration · Westmeath County Council, 2619

• 31 Jul 2026N/a

  development which will consist of the construction of a new detached two storey dwelling house, connection to public services, new boundary fence and all associated site works. The proposed new dwelling house is located within an Architectural Conservation Area.

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2660404

• 29 Jul 2026N/a

  development will consist of the construction of a new standalone building for use ancillary to the existing Clonbrusk Childcare Centre and also provisions for Meals on Wheels services, new car parking with set-down area, connection to public services, realignment of existing public walkway and lighting and all associated site works to complete the development

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2660402

• 14 Jul 2026N/a

  The Building is a Protected Structure, RPS No. 164 & NIAH Ref: 15009181. The development which will consist of the change of use of the existing lower ground floor apartment from residential use to a commercial kitchen and associated food preparation areas ancillary to the existing restaurant; the removal of the existing external steel escape staircase; the construction of an extension incorporating a new protected internal staircase linking the lower ground floor commercial kitchen with the ground floor restaurant; internal alterations and refurbishment to the existing ground floor and existing first floor; together with all associated internal alterations, elevational modifications and ancillary site development works

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2660375

• 1 Jul 2026Refused

  change of use of existing public licensed bar at ground floor level to Restaurant/Take Away. Permission is also south for external signage to existing shop front

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2660354

• 5 Jun 2026Conditional

  the refurbishment and change of use of an existing 2 storey mixed use commercial and residential property into a new café/restaurant over two floors. Works to include the construction of a new single-storey extension to the rear; all associated internal and external alterations to provide new servery, seating areas, kitchen, toilets, associated ancillary accommodation, and new shopfront to the front façade; external landscaping; and all ancillary site development works

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2660297

• 28 Apr 2026Conditional

  A) the construction of a new pitched roof over an existing single storey side annex with the removal of an existing flat roof; B) the reconfiguration of internal accommodation; C) the construction of a new front porch with the demolition of an existing open porch; D) the placement of external wall insulation on perimeter walls; E) the widening of an existing road entrance and construction of associated driveway; and F) all ancillary site works

  Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2660213

• 22 Apr 2026N/a

  change of use of existing public licensed bar at first floor level to Restaurant/Take Away. Permission is also south for external signage to existing shop front

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2660195

• 19 Mar 2026Conditional

  construction of a semi-detached shed (to the existing shed) at rear of dwelling, dropped kerb and dished footpath at the front of the entrance and all ancillary site works. RETENTION permission is sought for the front porch, material alterations to the front facade of the dwelling, hard surfacing of front garden area and its use as vehicular parking, widening of the entrance by alteration to the front boundary wall, security cameras to front and rear of dwelling and all ancillary site works

  Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2660129

• 17 Mar 2026N/a

  RETENTION of rear 2 storey extension, consisting of ground floor Store, first floor cold room / kitchen and goods access stairwell

  Retention · Westmeath County Council, 2660127

• 17 Feb 2026Conditional

  to construct a single storey community social & learning centre and all associated site works

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2660054

• 4 Feb 2026Conditional

  development will consist of the construction of a Geodome polytunnel in the Sensory Garden at the above address, and all site development works

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2660028

• 27 Jan 2026Conditional

  alterations with extensions of an existing 2 storey private dwelling to include the conversion of an existing adjoining garage into habitable space, for the construction of a first floor extension to the side and a single storey extension to the rear, for all associated internal and external alterations, for the widening of the existing vehicular entrance, and for all associated site development works

  Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2660020

• 6 Jan 2026Conditional

  the following: 1. Amendments to site boundaries 2. Amendments to house types A, B, C, I, J & K (No’s 1-17 and 41-57 inclusive), comprising of the removal of the rear single storey ground floor projection and minor alterations to each house. 3. Amendments to house types D, E & F (No’s 30 to 40 inclusive), comprising of the optional attic conversion of the 3 bed houses to allow for an additional bedroom to give the option of a 3 or 4 bedroom house. 4. Minor amendments to site layouts and all ancillary works at Fionnán Mór, Coosan Link Road, Clonbrusk, Athlone. Previous planning ref no. 21/17

  Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2660002

• 18 Dec 2025Refused

  a stand alone beauty parlour at the rear of existing hairdressers. The application will also include retention permission for an extension to the rear of her existing hairdressers and retention permission for two number apartments on the first floor.

  Retention · Westmeath County Council, 2560634

• 12 Dec 2025N/a

  proposed development will consist of construction of detached shed and all ancillary site works

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2560622

• 27 Nov 2025Conditional

  the change of use of unit 42, existing retail butcher to food & beverages and licensed restaurant with a total gross floor area of 108m2. Permission is also sought for associated changes to the external shop front elevation, signage and all associated site development works

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2560586

• 4 Nov 2025N/a

  upgrades to the existing Athlone Water Treatment Plant located in the townland of Athlone, Co. Westmeath. The proposed development consists of the following works: Above Ground Coagulation and Flocculation Tank; 3 No. Below Ground Wash Water Settlement Tanks; 1 No. Below Ground Acid Dosing Static Mixer Chamber; 1 No. Below Ground Polymer Dosing Static Mixer Chamber; 4 No. Below Ground Chemical Spill Collection Tanks with Valve Chambers; Welfare Building; Chemical Storage Building-2; Chemical Storage-1 and MCC Building; UV and BW Pumps Kiosk; Extension of Existing ESB Substation Building; Store Room; MCC-2 and Polymer Dosing kiosk; Supernatant Pump Sump and Valve Chamber; High Lift Pump Sump; Modifications to the Clear Water Tank to provide for UV- BW Pumps Kiosk, Backwash Tank, Disinfection, Conditioning Mixing Chambers and Clear Water Tank; Installation Roof Mounted Solar PV Panels; Existing gantry walkway will be upgraded; New intake screen will be installed along with an automatic cleaning system; New suction piping will be fitted; The existing raw water pumps will be upgraded to meet increased capacity and performance requirements; Demolition and Removal of Existing Buildings / Facilities, Including: a) Chemicals Storage Building b) Chlorine Tank Kiosk c) Sulphuric Acid Dosing Kiosk e) Fluorine Tank Kiosk f) Storage Container g) Centrifuge Kiosk h) Dewatering Kiosk i) Sludge Holding Tank j) 2 No. Sludge Thickeners k) Existing pipework and intake screens located in the river l) Existing submersible pumps and associated piping; Landscaping; All associated site development and excavation works above and below ground; Associated temporary development works, including a temporary compound area and temporary access for the construction period. Proposed works are within the curtilage of a protected structure RPS 095 NIAH number 15004120. A Natura Impact Statement will be submitted to the planning authority with the application.

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2560537

• 21 Oct 2025Conditional

  development at B&Q Unit RW1, Arcadia Retail Park, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. The development will consist of the removal of existing external signage on all external elevations and replacement with new external elevational signage on all external elevations, changes to elevational treatment including window graphics on the front/southern elevation, trolley safety signage at the existing trolley bays, disabled and parent & child parking signage at the existing parking spaces, and all associated site works necessary to facilitate the development

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2560515

• 26 Sept 2025Conditional

  EXTENSION of DURATION for a) Change of use of the old 1889 Convent Building (Our Lady's Bower) and later 1960s extension from convent and boarding school to library and residential apartments; 8 three-bed, 25 two-bed, 14 one-bed, five studios, 64 carpark spaces (three for dis). An 1889 Convent Building (Our Lady's Bower) is a protected structure (ref 224) and Entrance gateway - Our Lady's Bower is a protected structure (ref 223). b) Material changes to the elevations of the existing 1960s building c) New residential apartment block extension to the north-west side of the existing 1960s building; consists of 3 three-bed, 3 two-bed, 1 one-bed 1 studio, seven carpark spaces (one for dis.), waste recycle bin storage and bicycle storage at the ground level d) New residential apartment block on the old tennis courtyards at the south-east part of the site, consist of 20 two-bed and 4 one-bed, 32 carpark spaces (two for dis.) e) all ancillary site works at the curtilage of Our Lady's Bower Convent

  Extension of duration · Westmeath County Council, 2539

• 23 Sept 2025N/a

  for upgrades to the existing Athlone Water Treatment Plant located in the townland of Athlone, Co. Westmeath. The proposed development consists of the following works: above ground coagulation and flocculation tank; 3 No. below ground wash water settlement tanks; 1 No. below ground acid dosing static mixer chamber; 1 No. below ground polymer dosing static mixer chamber; 4 No. below ground chemical spill collection tanks with valve chambers; welfare building; chemical storage building-2; chemical storage-1 and MCC building; UV and BW pumps kiosk; extension of existing ESB substation building; store room; MCC-2 and polymer dosing kiosk; supernatant pump sump and valve chamber; high lift pump sump; modifications to the clear water tank to provide for UV- BW pumps kiosk, backwash tank, disinfection, conditioning mixing chambers and clear water tank; installation roof mounted solar PV panels; demolition and removal of existing buildings / facilities, including: (a) chemicals storage building (b) Chlorine tank kiosk (c) sulphuric acid dosing kiosk (d) store building (e) fluorine tank kiosk (f) storage container (g) centrifuge kiosk (h) dewatering kiosk (i) sludge holding tank (j) 2 No. Sludge thickeners (k) raw water intake screen platform; landscaping; all associated site development and excavation works above and below ground; associated temporary development works, including a temporary compound area and temporary access for the construction period. A Natura Impact Statement will be submitted to the planning authority with the application

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2560469

The 25 most recent of over 100 applications.

Source: National Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Applicants are not shown.

Designated sites

• Special Area of Conservation: Lough Ree SAC 000440
• Special Protection Area: Lough Ree SPA 004064
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Lough Ree 000440

Recorded monuments

• WM029-042001 Religious house - Franciscan friars
  Description

  The Annals of the Four Masters record the founding of the monastery (WM029-042042-) of St. Francis at Athlone by Cathal Crobderg O Conchobhair in 1224 but this date has been rejected by Gwynn and Hadcock (1970, 243) on the basis that the Franciscans did not arrive in Ireland until c.1224-6, when their first house was established at Youghal. The consecration of the church of the Friars Minor of Athlone in 1241 by Albert of Cologne, archbishop of Armagh, suggests that it was not founded until c. 1240 (Ann. Conn.; AFM; Ann. Clon.; ALC). The friary was apparently destroyed in 1567-8 and its site was leased to Andrew Brereton of Monketon, Co. Meath, in 1570 (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 243). A Franciscan residence was re-established in 1626 (Millett 1972-3, 161) and in the late seventeenth century, probably the 1680s, work began on a new friary church (WM029-042001-). This building was never completed because of the fall of James II and the consequent political upheavals (Conlan 1978, 79; Grannell 1978, 52-3). This 1680s Franciscan friary church is to be seen on the north side of the town, where it is delimited by the Abbey lane at the south end of the graveyard (WM029-042092-), Abbey road and Coosan Road and the back of the houses in Lucas Lane. Of the five Early Christian cross-inscribed slabs (WM029-042095-; WM029-042096-; WM029-042097-; WM029-042047-) found in Athlone, four were found in the graveyard (WM029-042092-) of the Franciscan Friary graveyard. The cross-slabs date from the mid-eighth to eleventh centuries (Fanning and Ó hÉailidhe 1980). The present 17th century friary curch and graveyard may stand on the site of the 13th century friary which in turn may have been built on the site of an Early Christian monastery (WM029-042050-). Alternatively the medieval friary may have been located elsewhere within the town of Athlone. Grannell (1978, 13) recorded the tradition that the 13th century Francsican Friary (WM029-042042-) may have been located on the W side of Northgate St., on part of the site of the 19th century Athlone Woollen Mills also known as the 'Shannon Mills' (Murtagh 1994, 9,12). According to the Urban Survey of Westmeath the present 17th century Franciscan friary church and graveyard (WM029-042092-) 'almost certainly lie on the site of a pre-Norman church (WM029-042050-), whose existence is attested by the discovery of early grave slabs and traces of an enclosure. This is to be seen on the south side, where it is delimited by the lane at the south end of the graveyard, Abbey road and the back of the houses in Lucas lane (Bradley et. al. 1985, 44). The present remains consist of a long rectangular friary church (int. dims. 20.9m E-W; 9.4m N-S; wall T 0.92m; H 4.5-5m) aligned east-west which stands in the N quadrant of sub-rectangular shaped graveyard now a town park, which was cleared of its graveslabs in order to provide space for a park during the 1980s. The church was rebuilt as part of the park clean up scheme in the 1980s and the graveslabs were removed from their location and placed around the walls and along both sides of the lane to the south and west of the church. The church was built with roughly coursed limestone rubble with alternating long and short quoins, the building has been robbed of all its dresed jambs around the doorway and window openings. The east wall appears to have been completely rebuilt and the only features are two post-medieval recesses constructed to accomodate wall-memorials. The north wall may have had a door near its west end but the masonry is too badly disfigured to be certain; a narrow round arched opening is situated in the centre of this wall and is flanked by two round arched recesses. The west wall shows signs of large-scale rebuilding and has an inserted flat-headed door of brick. The south wall has a blocked-up door at its west end and three round-arched windows with a slight internal splay. A round-arched recess is present between the first-and-second and second-and-third windows from the east; the westerly example has been filled with a 19th century wall memorial (Bradley et. al. 1985, 44). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 29 November 2013

• WM029-042018 House - 17th century
  Description

  Depicted as 'Cooking House 1691' on the 1837 edition of the Ordnance Survey six inch map where it is shown as a rectangular building aligned on a NE-SW axis with field boundary running through centre of building along its long axis. No building is indicated in this area on subsequent editions of the OS maps. 17th century dwelling probably associated with the 1691 Siege of Athlone. A modern housing development is now located in area where house is shown on OS maps. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 01 November 2013.

• WM029-042019 Market-house
  Description

  The medieval market place of the east town of Athone was located in the area now known as Custume Place. Around 1586-7 a timber market house was constructed in the market place. In 1703 a 'three-storey high arcaded stone tholsel and market house, with tower surmounted by a cross' was built in the market place replacing the old market house (Murtagh 1994, 12). In 1837 the Tholsel was demolished. Today there are no surface remains visible of the Tholsel or of the earlier market house in Custume Place. The location of the Tholsel is depicted on Thomas Sheppard's map of Athlone dating from 1784 (Murtagh 1994, 12). In 1578, a 21 year lease was granted to Edmund O'Fallon a merchant of Athlone, which included ‘a castle in Athlone called the east gate [Dublin Gate], near the church yard of the parish church [WM029-042021-], and a parcel of land adjoining the said castle, lying in breadth from the east towards the market place of the town 60 feet [18m], and in length towards the Shynnyn 200 feet [61m]’ (Nicholls 1994, 467). In the same year there is another reference to the location of this market place in a lease to Henry Brande which included 'Two tenements in Athelone, in co. Westmeath, in the tenure of Rob. Damporte, near the castle or gate called the north gate, by the house of the friars [WM029-042042-], containing in breadth 106 feet [32m], and from the street towards the town wall in length 160 feet [49m], and a castle or gatehouse in the north part of the said town, with 80 feet [24m] of land adjoining, extending from the castle [north gate] towards the market place as the street goeth on the west side of the street, and so thence to the low water mark of the River Shenen [Shannon]’ (Nicholls 1994, 472-3). In 1586 a timber market house was constructed in the market place when the crown granted a lease to 'John Rawson, soldier; of the market place of Athlone, being 20 yards [18m] long by 15 yards [14m], and a stonewall adjoining for the foundation of a market house; in consideration of his building forthwith a timber market house on this foundation; leaving room for two carts to the High street and one cartway round the markethouse. To hold with the customs of the market for 21 years. rent 6s., English. Provided that he shall not alien, without license under the great seal, to any except they be of English nation both by father and mother, or born in the English Pale’ (Nicholls 1994, 2). A second market place was located on the Roscommon side of Athlone town opposite the castle (WM029-042002-) although no market house appears to have been located on this side of the town. In 1619 the crown granted to the sovereign, burgesses and commonalty of Athlone a ‘licence to hold a weekly market on Saturdays in the town on the Roscommon side, and a yearly fair on the Monday after the Epiphany [6th January], and the two days following, with a court of pie-powder, and all the usual rights and privileges of such markets, fairs, and courts; the profits thereof to go in equal shares to the crown and the corporation; the sovereign to be assay-master within the town and liberties, and justice of peace in the town and in Roscommon and Westmeath cos’ (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Jas I, 422). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 01 November 2013

• WM029-042020 Town defences
  Description

  The following description of the town defences is mainly taken from the Urban Survey of Co. Westmeath (Bradley et. al. 1985, 37-41) with additional material from the Athlone Town Walls Conservation Plan 2005. In 1251 the King of England ordered the payment of ‘80 marks of the K.’s money in aid of the inclosure of the K.’s vills (WM029-042----) of Adlon [Athlone] and Rendun [Rindown, Co. Roscommon], and repair of their castles (WM029-042002-) (Cal. doc. Ire., 469). It is not clear however whether this money was applied to the Leinster or Connacht side or to both. Further information on the walls is lacking until the late sixteenth century by which time the walls had probably fallen into considerable disrepair. Proposals to rebuild the wall were made by Sir Nicholas Malby in 1576 but these appear to have remained in the draft stage. Some work however was carried out on the defences at this time, particularly on the E and N gates. Extensive rebuilding of the wall may been completed 1619 when the walls of the Leinster town were reconstructed as part of Wilmot's rebuilding scheme for the town. The walls may have been completed by 1619 for in this year a land grant to Robert Dillon included 'a house and garden, lately Tho. Wolfe’s and Shane Bragan’s, and the parcel of Clonen, 2a, near the town wall' (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Jas I, 421) and also 'a garden near the N. wall, lately Mich. Pickering’s; all in Athlone' (ibid.). The state papers of Charles I records the role Lord Wilmot, President of Connacht played in the walling of Athlone town. An undated submmission (possibly c. 1627) sent to the King by Lord Wilmot concerning Athlone records that 'I am chiefly charged with building and walling the town and making away with certain lands and rents from the Crown. Most of the things menioned were done 17 years ago, and I cannot make present answer in regard to them' (Cal. S.P. Ire., 323). The submission goes on to state that 'this disposes all charges except one regarding 200 or 300 acres given by your Majesty to every school house in the plantation and given by King James to the inhabitants on condition they built the town with brick and stone and walled it well. This building work is done' (ibid.). In 1630 the state papers recorded that 'the walling of Athlone for guard of the bridge (WM029-042004-) there, since which plantations the English have regained part of their ancient power in the inland parts which were most offensive' (Cal. S.P. Ire., 150). It is clear that the walling of Athlone was an integral part for the successful Crown plantation of Westmeath and the adjoining regions during the first quarter of the 17th century, possibly between 1610-1619. In the wars of 1641-53 some improvements were made to the fortifications, notably the construction by the confederates of a wall and gatehouse along the Leinster waterfront in 1643, demolished soon afterwards by the Cromwellians. The Cromwellians themselves considerably strengthened the town's defences between 1651 and 1654 and several bastions were added to the Leinster town while the Connacht side was fortified with earthen ramparts. In 1682 Sir Henry Piers (1981, 86-7) described the fortifications as follows: ‘The town on both sides of the river was in time of the late usurpers [the Cromwellian Commonwealth] very well fortified. The part on this [Leinster] side hath very strong walls with very large flankers of lime and stone, according to the rules of modern fortification. The inside of these walls and bulwarks was lined with a large rampart of stone and earth, the outside was made not easily accessible by a large deep graff ; round about on the flankers were mounted several great guns. The town on the other [Connacht] side was also fortified with great ramparts of earth flanked, and a large deep graff. The works here were set with a quick-set hedge, which was well kept and neatly shorn and had obtained a considerable growth at the time of his majesty’s happy restoration, so that there was a living strength both pleasant and useful. But all this beauty, all this strength is of late vanished, especially that on the other side, and the old castle (WM029-042002-) only after the old fashion is upheld’. Piers goes on to state that the town of Athlone 'had walls and two towers or gate-houses, or tower that scoured [secured] the principal streets' (Vallancey 1786, 88). Although improvements were carried out by the Jacobites in 1689-91, these were essentially the fortifications assailed and largely demolished by Ginkel in 1691. The course of the medieval defences on the Leinster side appears to have been incorporated into the early seventeenth century wall constructed for Wilmot but the line of the medieval defences on the Connacht side has been completely obliterated. There is good information on the course of the seventeenth century defences however. A feature of the defences on the Connacht side was the Connacht Tower which stood to the N of the castle (WM029-042002-). This was a rectangular structure with two circular towers at N angles, linked to Athlone Castle by defensive wall or ditch, perhaps the 'great fosse' to form the riverside bawn. Little is known of its history and the earliest references occur in the late sixteenth century. In 1581, it is described as 'an old ruinous tower' which would suggest that it was built considerably earlier. Langrishe records that its ruins survived into the mid-nineteenth century and that it was removed during the Shannon improvements and the making of the Grace Road (Bradley et. al. 1985, 38). East side of Athlone : The town wall on the E side of Athlone enclosed an area of 14 statute acres. The works of 1552-4 appear to have largely obliterated earlier work except in one clearly visible section near Court Devenish. The wall was penetrated by two gates and had five bastions in addition to an outwork protecting the Dublin Gate. There is no indication of a river wall despite the reference to the construction of such wall in 1643. A demi-bastion, set on a slight promontory, jutted into the River Shannon on the Leinster side of the town. The wall continued in a E direction for approx. 87m where it met the North Gate. The North Gate was situated at the junction of Lucas Lane and North Gate Street. Unlike Dublin Gate its builder is not known but until 1578 it was in the possession of Robert Damport, provost-marshal of Connacht, when it was leased to Henry Brande of Trim. It would appear that the construction of the gatehouse is related to the building of the bridge and therefore a date between 1566 and 1578 may be suggested. A print of c.1820 by George Petrie shows that the gate was rectangular and had three floors with battlements above. Nothing of the actual gate remains. There were remnants of the wall to the S of the gate remaining in a factory site on the S side of the road but these were removed during the building of the Radisson hotel (See licence number 98E0210) (Wheeler et. al. 2005, 54). From here the wall ran eastwards along Lucas Lane for 70m to the site of an incomplete bastion, 0.74m wide and 2.4m high. Part of the largest bastion of the town on Lucas Lane. This bastion was constructed during the Cromwellian period. It carries a plaque which states: 'The Old Wall of Athlone 1251'. A long section of wall, approx. 1.9m, stretches from Lucas Lane to the rear of the Prince of Wales Hotel. It is 1.5 - 1.6m wide, 1.85m high and survived in good condition with a semi-circular tower, portion of a bastion (see above) and a complete bastion. This latter bastion is known as the 'Garden' or 'Royal' Bastion. The largest surviving bastion of Athlone, preserved as a garden wall for a house. This bastion was constructed during the Cromwellian period. All four sides of it are preserved. This bastion also has an exterior batter (Wheeler et. al. 2005, 50). The wall continued to the N of Court Devenish (WM029-042035-) where a s

• WM029-042021 Church
  Description

  Only the bell-tower survives of the 17th century St. Mary's parish church. The 17th century church was probably built on or incorporated the remains of the medieval parish church of Athlone. This church is mentioned in a number of 17th century documents as being near the East Gate [Dublin Gate] of the walled town of Athlone (Erck 1846-52,67-8, 728). There is a reference in 1452 the church of 'Athluain' (Cal. papal letters, 541) and in 1484 there is a mention of St. Mary's when Cornelius Odelay [O'Daly] was the vicar (Cal. papal letters, 90). This church was almost certainly established in the thirteenth century (Bradley et. al. 1985, 41). In 1578 a 21 year lease was granted to Edmund O Fallon a merchant of Athlone, which included the ‘castle in Athlone called the east gate [Dublin Gate], near the church yard (WM029-042022-) of the parish church, and a parcel of land adjoining the said castle, lying in breadth from the east towards the market place of the town 60 feet [18m], and in length towards the Shynnyn 200 feet [61m]’ (Nicholls 1994, 467). The medieval church was rebuilt around 1620 by Lord Grandison, while he was President of Connacht (Stokes 1890-1, 184). The 17th century church building was replaced by the present church in 1826-7 (Murtagh 1994, 10) although the bell-tower of the 17th century church still survives free standing in the SW quadrant of the graveyard (WM029-042022-) (Stokes 1890-1, 180). Described by Bradley (1985 41-2) as the 17th century church site is situated in the SW quadrant of the graveyard on the north side of Dublin Gate Street immediately inside the town wall. The seventeenth century bell-tower stands to the SW of the present C of I church (WM029-042023-) and is rectangular in plan with four floors and battlements above. The masonry is of coursed limestone with limestone quoins. The exterior has been heavily repainted and the east wall appears to have been substantially rebuilt. The base has a low uneven batter. The ground floor is entered on the S through a round-arched door with external hood moulding. It has a barrel vault and a single window in the west wall which has been blocked up. Access to the first floor is via a wooden ladder. Externally, large round-headed windows are present in each wall of the third floor (belfry stage). The bell is reputed to be of seventeenth century date (Lewis 1837, 88). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 29 November 2013

• WM029-042022 Graveyard
  Description

  The graveyard belonging to the medieval St. Mary's parish church (WM029-042021-) of Athlone is today enclosed by a stone wall of uncertain date. The E section of the wall incorporates part of the 17th century town wall of Athlone which was adjacent to the east gate of the town. In 1578 a 21 year lease granted to Edmund O Fallon a merchant of Athlone, included the ‘castle in Athlone called the east gate [Dublin Gate], near the church yard of the parish church (WM029-042021-), and a parcel of land adjoining the said castle, lying in breadth from the east towards the market place of the town 60 feet [18m], and in length towards the Shynnyn 200 feet [61m]’ (Nicholls 1994, 467). A 19th century C of I church (WM029-042023-) stands in the centre of the graveyard with memorials mainly dating from the 18th-19th centuries located in S and E quadrant of the graveyard. The graveyard was closed for burials in 1871 (Murtagh 1994, 10). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 29 November 2013

• WM029-042023 Church
  Description

  St. Mary's C of I church located in the centre of Athlone which was built in 1826-7 (Murtagh 1994, 10) replacing the 17th century church (WM029-042021-) that was located immediately to the S of the present church. There are four 17th century wall memorials (WM029-042025----; WM029-042026----; WM029-042027----; WM029-042028-) located inside the C of I church. The 19th century church stands in the W quadrant of a rectangular shaped graveyard (WM029-042022-) enclosed by a stone wall. The E section of graveyard wall incorporates part of the 16th/17th century town walls of Athlone. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 29 November 2013

• WM029-042024 Boundary stone
  Description

  This fragment most likely belongs to the eighteenth century bridge. Now inserted into the porch wall of St. Mary's Parish Church (WM029-042021-). It has an incised line showing the border between County Westmeath and County Roscommon (Bradley et. al. 1985, 34). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision 15 October 2010

• WM029-042026 Memorial stone
  Description

  Wall memorial of Mathew De Renzi who died in 1634. Only a small fragment of a much larger wall memorial survives inserted into the W end of the S wall of the nave of the 19th century St Mary's C of I church (WM029-042023-). The surviving fragment (dims. Wth 1.26m; H 0.24m) consists of an apron and shelf in black marble. The inscription is on the apron in incised gold capitals: THIS MONVMENT WAS ERECTED BY THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL SIR MATHEW DE RENZI KNIGHT WHO DEPARTED THIS/ LIFE THE 20 OF AVGVST 1634 BEINGE OF THE AGE OF 57 YEARS BORNE AT CVLLEN IN GERMANY AND DISCENDED FROM/ THAT FAMOVS AND RENOWNED WARRIER GEORGE CASTRIOTT, ALS SCANDERBEGE (WHO IN THE CHRISSTIAN WARRE .OV/ 52 BATTLALIES WITH GREAT CONQVEST AND HONNOR AGAINST THE GREAT TVRKE) HE WAS A GREAT TRAVE;ER/ AND GENERALL LINGVIST: AND HE KEPT CORESPONDENCY WITH MOST NATIONS IN MANY WEIGHTY AFFAIRES: AND IN THE THREE YEARS GAVE GREAT PFECTION TO THIS NATION BY COMPOSEINGE A GRAMMER DICTIONNARY AND CHRONICLE IN THE/ IRISH TONGVE: AND IN ACCOMPTS MOST EXPERT AND EXCEEDINGE ALL OTHERS TO HIS GREAT APPLAV../ THIS WORKE WAS ACCOMPELSHED BY HIS SONNE MATHEW DE RENZI ESQR AVGVST THE 22 1635 (Bradley et. al. 1985, 42). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett Date of upload: 15 October 2010

• WM029-042027 Memorial stone
  Description

  Abigail Handcock wall memorial 1680. On the S wall of the nave of the 19th century St Mary's C of I church. Rectangular white marble tablet (dims. Wth 1.26m; H 2m) flanked by black pilasters with free standing white marble columns in front and flanking foliate scroll brackets. The columns support a black marble cornice with a black hour-glass painted on to a red and white marble. The cornice is flanked by scroll brackets and the apex is topped by a covered bowl. An achievement of arms is painted below the tablet which is flanked by white marble scrolls and supported on a black marble pedestal. Heater shaped shield divided per pale with argent, two cocks and a hand in chief sable with argent ermined sable on the dexter while the sinister has three deer's heads or on a bend azure background argent and a crown or on gules in the sinister chief. The motto is VIGILATE ET ORATE and the crest consists of a lion rampant holding a lozenge shaped medallion upon which there is a cock. The inscription is in script with Roman capitals: THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED IN MEMORY OF/ MS ABIGAIL HANDCOCK/ DAUGHTER OF THE REVERnd/ THOMAS STANLEY & LATE WIFE/ OF WILLIAM HANDCOCK OF/ TNYFORD ESQW, BY WHOM HE/ HAD ISSUE 9 SONS & 7 DAUGH/ TERS WHO DEPARTED THIS/ LIFE/ THE 21ST OF NOVbr ANo DOm/ 1680 IN THE 53RD YEAR OF HER/ AGE & LYES INTERRED/ UNDERNEATH THIS PLACE (Bradley et. al. 1985, 42-3). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett Date of upload: 15 October 2010

• WM029-042028 Wall monument
  Description

  Ann and Richard St. George wall memorial dating from 1686. On the E end of the N wall of the nave of the 19th century St. Mary's C of I church. It consists of large blocks of stone painted black with some gold decoration. The centre tablet is divided in two with an achievement of arms above and an inscription below. The monument (dims. H c. 4m; Wth 2.58m) is flanked by pilasters which support a cornice with triangular pediment. A heart-shaped panel rises from a central console within the pediment, and protrudes above the apex. The panel is decorated with a shield bearing a golden lion rampant and a small heart below. There are two rosette-like roundels on wither side of the panel. The achievement of arms is in six quarters. (1) Per fess a lion gules with a crown or overall. (2) Argent an equal armed cross with fleur-de-lis terminals sable. (3) Three covered cups argent gules. (4) Six circles and a rectangle gules argent. (5) Six scallops azure and a fess dancette argent. (6) The sun or an estoile sable argent. The crest is a demi-lion rampant gules with a crown or. The inscription is in gold conjoined script: NEER THIS PLACE LYETH THE BODYS OF CAPTAIN RICH/ ST. GEORGE AND HIS PIOUS WIFE ANN ELDEST DAUGHTER/ OF MICHAEL PENNOCK OF TURROCK IN THE COUNTY OF/ ROSCOMON ESQ. HE WAS FOR SEVERAL YEARS GO/ VERNOR OF ATHLONE THIRD SON OF SR RICHARD ST GE/ ORGE KNt CLARENCEUX KING OF ARMS BY ELIZABET/ HIS WIFE DAUGHTER OF NICHOLAS ST IOHN OF LIDI/ ARD TREGOZ IN WILTSHIRE ESQ BROTHER TO SR HENRY/ ST GEORGE KNt GARTER PRINCIPALL KING OF ARMES/ AND TO ST GEORGE ST GEORGE OF CARRICK DRUMROOSK. IN THE COUNTY OF LETRIM KNt BORN AT HALLY ST GEO/ RGE IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE THE 27TH MARCH 1590/ AND DEPARTED THIS LIFE IN ATHLON THE 24TH APRIL/ 1667 THE SAID ANN HIS WIFE WAS BORN AT TURR/ OCK THE 18TH OF NOVEMBER 1606 AND DYED IN/ ATHLONE THE 4TH OF OCTOBER 1643 TO WHOSE MEMO/ RYS THEIR SONS ARTHUR AND HENRY ERECTED THIS MONUMENT ANNO DOMINI 1686 (Bradley et. al. 1985, 43). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett Date of upload: 15 October 2010

• WM029-042029 Graveslab
  Description

  Possible 17th century graveslab the location of which is now unknown. A small graveslab was described by Bigger (1901-3, 272) as lying at the E end of the churchyard (WM029-042022-). It was decorated with a ringed cross on a step with the letters RM and I H S. Probably seventeenth century (Bradley et. al. 1985, 43-4). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett Date of upload: 04 October 2010

• WM029-042030 House - 17th century
  Description

  17th century house that was known as "Ginkel's House" named after the Dutch General Godart de Ginkel who took part in the 1691 Siege of Athlone and who for a while resided at this house. This structure was built c. 1626 and demolished in 1939 and originally appears to have been built as the residence of John Waple (Murtagh 1994, 15). This may be the same residence as mentioned in a 1619 land grant to Thomas Waple which included the 'gardens, and curtilages, near the market place, 32 yards [29.2m] broad and 48 [43.9m] long, lately John Brandan’s and Tho. Waple’s' (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Jas I, 421). In 1912 the house was described as located 'at the corner of Northgate Street, in which it is said the Dutchman-the famous general "who seems to have had no idea of chivalry"-lived at the time of the siege of 1691' (Mitton 1912, 179-80). The house was three storeys high and appears to have had a cellar or undercroft. The house was entered through a round arched door, approached from the street via a short flight of steps. The door had an external hood moulding with the date 1626 in false relief set into the spandrels of the arch. The moulded jambs ended in a chamfered stop decorated with a fleur-de-lis topped hourglass motif (Bradley et. al. 1985, 25-7). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett and Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 10 December 2013

• WM029-042031 Inscribed stone
  Description

  Datestone above the doorway of 'Ginkel's House' (WM029-042030-) recorded 1626 as the foundation date of the building. Unfortunately the house was demolished in 1939, and as a result, the present whereabouts of the datestone is unknown (English 1972-3, 187). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett Date of upload: 04 October 2010

• WM029-042035 House - 17th century
  Description

  This house was built by George Devenish c. 1628 the house was the scene of an engagement in 1648 during the Confederate wars (Stokes 1980-1, 207). The house and lands of Athlone which belonged to George Devenish were forfeited and granted to the Earl of Ranelagh c. 1650 who had difficulty in securing the poessession of these forfeited lands. In 1681 the Treasury of Ireland received a petition from the Earl of Ranelagh which recited 'a grant by letters patent of 18 Dec., 1675, to the petitioner in fee simple of several houses and lands within the Corporation of Athlone and the liberties thereof, forfeited to his Majesty by the Acts of Settlement and Explanation, some of which formerly belonged to George Devenish and are now in the possession of Thomas Fitz-Gerald by virtue of an extent on a statute staple of 800l. in 1629, acknowledged by the said George Devenish to Thomas Allen and since assigned to the said Fitz-Gerald, and stating that, as some doubt may arise whether the said houses and lands may not be part of the security for the arrears of the '49 officers, the petitioner, to avoid lawsuits and for the better securing of his interest, is willing to compound for the same with the Commissioners for disposing of the remaining part of the said security and to place such unsatisfied part of '49 debentures thereon as shall be agreed on between them and him, but that they are restrained by their instructions from granting any part of the said security except to persons who are in possession thereof and shall deliver the same, but they are also to observe such further instructions as shall be given them by the Lord Lieutenant, and praying that, as the petitioner has already passed the grant of the said houses and lands, and is kept out of the possession thereof by the said extent and other pretences and his Majesty has in the said letters patent promised the further assurance of the said grant and the petitioner desires only some further security of his title by compounding with the said Commissioners, that his Majesty would signify his pleasure to the Lord Lieutenant that he forthwith give a further instruction to the said Commissioners to compound and agree with the petitioner, if he shall so desire, for the said houses and lands and to grant him their certificate in order to his passing new letters patent thereon, in the same manner as they might do, were he now in the actual possession thereof' (Blackburne Daniell 1921, 152-89). In 1697 a petition was submitted by Thomas Osborne to the Treasury Lords of Ireland 'against the passing of a grant of the estate of William Devenish late of Athlone, County Westmeath until he be heard' (Shaw 1933, 162). The architectural quality of this house was sufficiently outstanding in 1682 to merit special mention by Sir Henry Piers (1981, 87) who described Court Devenish as 'one house built backward from the street by one Devenish exceeded all the rest for politeness of architecture; but this beauty was all without doors, for within they were ill shapen and ill contrived'. Court Devenish is depicted in 1685 by Thomas Phillips and in 1691 by Jean Goubet as a rectangular block with projecting wings flanking the centrally placed entrance on the S facade of the house (NLI Ms. 2742; Murtagh 1994, maps 4 and 5). The house was partially destroyed during the 1691 siege of Athlone and is depicted in 1784 as the 'Ruins of Court Devenish' on Thomas Sherrard's map of Athlone (RCB Ms. 151; Murtagh 1994, Map 7(a)). Situated in the grounds of the modern Court Devenish immediately inside the north wall of the town defences (WM029-042020-); access is via Preaching (or Lucas) Lane. The south facade survives together with parts of the east and west returns. The fabric is in poor condition, overgrown and in need of repair; there is an earthen build-up of about 1 m over the ground floor and modern lean-to structures have been built in the interior. Some windows are missing transoms or mullions and the first floor west window is partially blocked with bricks. Seven window jambs are strewn on the ground around the building. The structure appears to have suffered heavily in Ginkel’s 1691 siege and many of its stones have been used in the walls and rookery of the present garden and it is likely that they were re-used in constructing the modern dwelling also. The house was three storeyed and built of evenly coursed mixed masonry with dressed quoins and jambs. Most of the quoins are missing but the surviving examples have horizontal and vertical tooling. The windows, of two or three lights, are rectangular, mullioned and transomed with external hood moulding; all splay internally and have a flat rear arch. The window jambs are grooved for glass and have bar-holes. The house was originally half-H plan as depicted on Jean Goubet's map of 1691. The main entrance was centrally placed in the south wall; its jambs are now missing. There are the remains of a window in the section west of the door but otherwise the external ground level is quite plain. Internally there are two wall cupboards in the east and west sections. On the first floor there is a fine triple light above the door. The east section has two surviving windows and the jamb of a third, an arrangement which seems to have been repeated on the west side. The first floor arrangement of the east side is duplicated on the second floor. There may have been similar windows in the west section but it has been considerably altered. Two inscribed pieces of graffiti record early visitors: J.P. WITFORD 1857-63 (on the chamfer of the south-west window on the first floor), and 1737 A.D. R.H. (on a stone east of the entrance) (Bradley et. al. 1985, 26-7). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett and Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 01 November 2013

• WM029-042037 Armorial plaque (present location)
  Description

  The Wilmot Plaque which was located to the rear of the property but was moved to its current location as a result of the development works carried out in 2006 to the rear of the property. Seventeenth century armorial plaque (dims. H 0.8m, Wth 0.6m) located over doorway of building on N side of Church Street opposite building immediately W of Lloyd's Lane. Rectangular plaque decorated with an achievement of arms in relief. Heater-shaped shield with a mantling consisting of a torn and folded parchment decorated with rosettes. Three eagles heads couped and three scallops per fess. The arms may be those of Charles Wilmot, Lord President of Connacht (1616-25) or Henry Wilmot, Commissioner of the Presidency of Connacht (1644) (Bradley et. al. 1985, 28). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett and Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 30 October 2013

• WM029-042042 Religious house - Franciscan friars
  Description

  The precise location of the 13th century Convent of the Observantine order of Friars Minor has not been identified. The firary church of this convent was dedicated to St. Mary. The Annals of the Four Masters record the founding of the monastery of St. Francis in Athlone by Cathal Crobderg O Conchobhair in 1224, but this date has been rejected by Gwynn and Hadcock (1970, 243) on the basis that the Franciscans did not arrive in Ireland until c.1224-6, when their first house was established at Youghal. The consecration of the church of the Friars Minor of Athlone in 1241 by Albert of Cologne, archbishop of Armagh, suggests that it was not founded until c. 1240 (Ann. Conn.; AFM; Ann. Clon.; ALC). In 1617 Father Donatus Mooney wrote that the the friary church was consecrated in 1241 and that Athlone was one of the first convents of the Rule of the Friars Minor in Ireland (Jennings 1934, 102). Father Mooney recorded that its was unclear who the founder of the abbey was but the Dillon family claimed patronage of the abbey, based on the presence of an effigial tomb belonging to the Dillon family which was located in the choir of the church (ibid.). The friary church was rebuilt or repaired in the early 15th century after it had been burnt in the 14th century. In 1398 the Pope granted a 'relaxation of three years and three quadregene of enjoined penance to penitents who at Christmas, Easter, Whitsuntide, and the Assumption, visit and give alms for the repair of the Friars Minors' church of St Mary, Adloyn [Athlone], in the diocese of Clonmacnoise, which with its books and ornaments has been burnt by certain sons of iniquity' (Cal. papal letters, 143). The friary was apparently destroyed in 1567-8 and its site was leased to Andrew Brereton of Monketon, Co. Meath, in 1570 (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 243). In 1591 the Crown granted a lease of ‘two tenements late of Robt. Damporte, in Athlone near the north gate beside the house of friars, containing in breadth 106 feet (32m), and from the street to the walls of the town in length 160 feet (48m), in co. Westmeath, parcel of the queen’s ancient inheritance’ (Nicholls 1994, 140). In 1617 Father Mooney wrote that only the walls of the firary church and part of the convent buildings survived and that any family willing to pay for the rebuilding of the church whould be entitled to claim its patronage (Jennings 1934, 102). According to Bradley (1985, 44) the reference in the Tudor fiants suggests that the medieval Franciscan friary was located inside the town walls of Athlone, in close proximity to the North Gate of Athlone. Grannell (1978, 13) recorded the tradition that the 13th century Francsican Friary (WM029-042042-) may have been located on the W side of Northgate St., on part of the site of the 19th century Athlone Woollen Mills also known as the 'Shannon Mills' (Murtagh 1994, 9,12). No evidence of the 13th century Franciscan friary has been uncovered in the town of Athlone. In the 17th century the Franciscan's built a new friary church (WM029-042001-) which stands today in the centre of the town park on the W side of Coosan Road. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 29 November 2013

• WM029-042047 Cross-slab
  Description

  Unlocated cross-inscribed slab that was discovered in 1845 by T. L. Cooke and recorded in 1872 as missing (Fanning and Ó hÉailidhe 1980, 9). One of four cross-slabs (WM029-042043-;044-;045-) originally found in the graveyard (WM029-042092-) of the Franciscan friary (WM029-042001-) (Fanning and Ó hÉailidhe 1980, 5-9). Roughly rectangular-shaped slab decorated with a Celtic cross with looped terminals and a circle in the centre. Incised inscription reads: OR DO THORPAITH (Bradley et. al. 1985, 46; Fanning and Ó hÉailidhe 1980, 9, 18). See attached drawing of cross-slab taken from Stokes, G. (ed.) 1873 Christian inscriptions in the Irish language. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 30 October 2013

• WM029-042048 Tomb - table tomb
  Description

  In the mortuary chapel at the SE end of the graveyard (WM029-042092-) of the Franciscan abbey (WM029-042001-). Large rectangular slab (dims. L 2.16m, Wth 0.77m, D 0.15m) from a table tomb with a vertebrate border of stems and fleur-de-lis in false relief. The centre of the slab has two oval medallions within a rectangular frame with a spray of foliage in the spandrels. Inscription in Roman capitals in the left medallion: HEERE LYETH THE BODYES/ OF BRIAN MAC GANLEY & BENMON HIS WIFE. The inscription in the right medallion was added later: PRAY FOR THE SOVL OF CHRIS GANLY DEESESD Ye/ 16 OF MARCH 1701 & ANN RYAN/ HIS WIFE. The left end of the slab was subsequently smoothed down and carries and incised inscription in Roman capitals: PRAY FOR Ye/ SOVL OF MA/ RK BEGG WHO/ DEPARTED Ys/ LIFE AVGVST/ Y 11 16.. AG/ ED 36 YEARS/ & MARGRETT/ MC DERMOTT/ HIS WIFE (Bradley et. al. 1985, 46-7; Bigger and Hughes 1898-1900, 493-4; Fitzgerald 1904-6, 160). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett and Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 30 October 2013

• WM029-042050 Ecclesiastical site
  Description

  The discovery of four Early Christian cross-inscribed slabs (WM029-042043-/-44-/045-/047-) between 1845 and the 1970s in the graveyard (WM029-042092-) of the Franciscan abbey (WM029-042001-) suggests that the abbey church may have been built on the site of an Early Christian monastery. Three of these cross-slabs are now on display in Athlone Castle Museum while the fourth cross-slab (WM029-042047-) has been missing since the late 1800's (Fanning and Ó hÉailidhe 1980, 5-9). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett and Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 30 October 2013

• WM029-042057 Well
  Description

  Marked as 'Arcadin Well' on all editions of the Ordnance Survey maps. Compiled by: Rachel Barrett Date of upload: 15 October 2010

• WM029-042065 Fortification
  Description

  Demi-bastion to SE. A demi-bastion, constructed in the Cromwellian period, was built onto made ground, on the E bank of the river. The demi-bastion abutted the medieval wall, which ran SW - NE along the E side of the back of the original Friary complex. There are no traces of the demi-bastion which was located on the riverbank. ('Athlone Town Walls & Defences Conservation Plan - An Action of the Co. Westmeath Heritage Plan 2003-2007', Athlone Town Council, Oxford Archaeology, 2005, 43). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett Date of upload: 15 October 2010

• WM029-042090 Graveslab
  Description

  A stone, said to have been taken from the friary (WM029-042001-), lies in the back garden of the public house at Coosan Point (WM029-042051). The owner refused to give permission to see it but examination of a photograph indicates that it is a small coffin-shaped stone decorated in low relief with a pointed arch on which is incised: GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO. In the spandrels on either side of the arch are angels' heads and a leavy spray while inside the arch is a three storeyed battlemented castle with two animals on either side as supporters and another animal on top (Bradley et. al. 1985, 45). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett Date of upload: 04 October 2010

• WM029-042092 Graveyard
  Description

  In 1626 a Franciscan residence was re-established in Athlone (Millett 1972-3, 161) and in the late seventeenth century, probably the 1680s, work began on a new friary church (WM029-042001-). This building was never completed because of the fall of James II and the consequent political upheavals (Conlan 1978, 79; Grannell 1978, 52-3). This 1680s Franciscan friary church is to be seen on the north side of the town, where it is delimited by the Abbey lane at the south end of the graveyard, Abbey road and Coosan Road and the back of the houses in Lucas Lane. Of the five Early Christian cross-inscribed slabs (WM029-042095-; WM029-042096-; WM029-042097-; WM029-042047-) found in Athlone, four were found in the graveyard of the Franciscan Friary graveyard. The cross-slabs date from the mid-eighth to eleventh centuries (Fanning and Ó hÉailidhe 1980). The present 17th century friary curch and graveyard may stand on the site of the 13th century friary which in turn may have been built on the site of an Early Christian monastery (WM029-042050-). Alternatively the medieval friary may have been located elsewhere within the town of Athlone. According to the Urban Survey of Westmeath the present 17th century Franciscan friary church and graveyard (WM029-042092-) 'almost certainly lie on the site of a pre-Norman church (WM029-042050-), whose existence is attested by the discovery of early grave slabs and traces of an enclosure. This is to be seen on the south side, where it is delimited by the lane at the south end of the graveyard, Abbey road and the back of the houses in Lucas lane (Bradley et. al. 1985, 44). The present remains consist of a long rectangular friary church (WM029-042001-) which stands in the N quadrant of sub-rectangular shaped graveyard (dims. 50m N-S; 50m E-W) now a town park, which was cleared of its graveslabs in order to provide space for a town park during the 1980s. In 1815 the graveyard was enclosed by a stone wall (Murtagh 1994, 10) the remains of which can only be seen along Abbey lane which forms the boudnary of the graveyard from S to W. A stone plaque commemorating the enclosing of the graveyard with a boundary wall which was paid for by public subscription has been incorporated into the N wall of the mortuary chapel in SE quadrant of graveyard. A second stone plaque bears the inscription 'This Abby Founded AD 1240' has also been built into the external face of N wall of mortuary chapel. The friary church was rebuilt as part of the park clean up scheme in the 1980s and the headstones were removed from their location and placed around the walls and along both sides of the lane to the south and west of the church where thay can still be seen today. The memorials mainly date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Burial inside this graveyard mainly ceased in 1871 with occasional burials after this date (Murtagh 1994, 10). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 29 November 2013

• WM029-042095 Cross-slab
  Description

  Early Christian cross-inscribed slab (dims. Dims. H 0.82m, Wth 0.59m, T 0.13m) discovered in 1978, and one of four cross-slabs (WM029-042044-;045-;047-) found in the graveyard (WM029-042092-) of the Franciscan friary (WM029-042001-) (Fanning and Ó hÉailidhe 1980, 7-8). Now on display in Athlone Castle Museum (WM029-042043-). The cross-slab contains an inscription to Ailill Ua Dunchatho, King of Connacht who died in 764 AD (Fanning and Ó hÉailidhe 1980, 7). Roughly rectangular sandstone slab missing a small section of one corner. The decoration consists of an almost equal-armed ringed cross within a rectangular frame. The centre of the cross consists of a square enclosing a circle; the terminals are also square and bear foliage decoration. The arms of the cross have a fret pattern of interlocking T type while the frame consists of a broad band of continuous fret pattern of the interlocking L type. Incised inscription above the panel: AILILL AUE DUNCHATHO (Bradley et. al. 1985, 45-6). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett and Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 31 October 2013

• WM029-042096 Cross-slab
  Description

  Early Christian cross-slab (dims. H 0.76m; Wth 0.52m; T 0.08m) discovered in 1974, one of four cross-slabs (WM029-042043-;045-;047-) found in the graveyard (WM029-042092-) of the Franciscan friary (WM029-042001-) (Fanning and Ó hÉailidhe 1980, 5-6). Now on display in Athlone Castle Museum (WM029-042044-). Damaged sandstone slab decorated with an incised three-line Latin cross with a central circular expansion, containing a tetraskelion, and semi-circular terminals ornamented with worn key patterns. The cross is outlined by a two-line border with knots at the external angles. Incised inscription flanking the stem reads: OR DO CONLOC DO CHADAL (Bradley et. al. 1985, 46; Fanning and Ó hÉailidhe 1980, 5-7). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett and Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 31 October 2013

• WM029-042097 Cross-slab
  Description

  Early Christian cross-slab (dims. H 0.37m, Wth 0.72m, T 0.1m) discovered in 1979, one of four cross-slabs (WM029-042043-;044-;045-) originally found in the graveyard (WM029-042092-) of the Franciscan friary (WM029-042001-) (Fanning and Ó hÉailidhe 1980, 9). Now on display in Athlone Castle Museum (WM029-042045-). Sandstone cross-inscribed slab that is broken into two parts. The upper half survives in Athlone and the lower left corner is in the National Museum of Ireland. Highly decorated ringed cross in false relief. The cross has a square panel at the centre filled with interlace and rectangular terminals at the end of lozenge-shaped arms. The arms and terminals are also decorated with interlace and spiral motifs. The ring is ornamented with pelta designs. Outside the ring are the winged lion of St. Mark and the winged calf of St. Luke each of which hold a book. Above the symbols of the evangelists are the pocked letters OR DO. The fragment in the National Museum of Ireland depicts a winged figure, presumably St. Matthew, and bears the incised letters MUIR M below (Bradley et. al. 1985, 46; Fanning and Ó hÉailidhe 1980, 9). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett and Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 31 October 2013

Designated sites: National Parks and Wildlife Service. Recorded monuments: Sites and Monuments Record, National Monuments Service. Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Works at or in relation to a recorded monument need two months' written notice to the National Monuments Service (National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, section 12).

No address of the register names Athlone with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Westmeath.

Name

Athlone · Baile Átha Luain

Area

1,568,110 m² (156.81 ha, 387.49 acres)

Civil parish

St. Mary'S, and its townlands

Barony

Brawny

Electoral division

Athlone East Urban, the unit of the census

Neighbouring townlands

Ankers Bower, Cloghanboy (homan), Cloghanboy West, Clonbrusk, Curragh (mechum), Golden Island (kilmaine), Golden Island (st. George), Loughanaskin, Retreat, Warrens Fields

Placenames

Athlone on logainm.ie, the Placenames Database of Ireland

Townlands, civil parishes, baronies and electoral divisions, National Statutory Boundaries, Tailte Éireann, CC BY 4.0. A townland is the smallest land division of Ireland, and the unit of a rural address; old registers such as the 1901 and 1911 censuses file it under its civil parish and barony.