BY TIM HEDGLEY, GROUP TRAVEL EDITOR
Athlone, which is located on the River Shannon near Lough Ree in Ireland, has a rich history that dates back to the Bronze Age.
The town’s name, Athlone or Baile Átha Luain in Irish, translates to “Town of Luan’s Ford,” indicating its importance as a strategically significant crossing point on the Shannon River.
Evidence from Bronze Age artefacts and early Christian grave slabs suggests the significance of Athlone as a site for early human settlements and possibly an unrecorded Christian monastery.
Jump on a few hundred years, and in the 12th century, King Turlough O’Connor of Connacht constructed a series of bridges and the earliest castle in 1129.
The Anglo-Normans also recognized the strategic value of Athlone and fortified it further by building a stone castle in 1210 under the justiciar Bishop John de Gray.
Today, however, Athlone is recognized for its centrally strategic location, excellent transport infrastructure, and rich historical heritage, which includes attractions like Athlone Castle.
So, it is to this vibrant city I set off to recently.
My first port of call was what the beating heart of the city is, the Sheraton Athlone.
Nestled in the lively town centre, the Sheraton Athlone Hotel is a 4-star oasis of luxury and comfort.
This modern hotel offers an unforgettable experience, blending traditional Irish hospitality with modern amenities and exceptional service.
I spent a night there a short while ago, and I can tell you this hotel is front and centre, a part of the Athlone vibe. It is lively and fun and is extremely well-respected and well-used by the community. Christenings, marriages, conferences and family get-togethers, you name it, the Sheraton Athlone does it.
The Sheraton Athlone Hotel features 170 spacious rooms and suites, each designed to provide the ultimate comfort and relaxation.
Every accommodation type, from the Classic Room to the opulent Presidential Suite, has amenities such as flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi and luxury bathroom amenities.
The hotel’s rooms are stylishly decorated, with modern furniture and elegant touches, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating stay.
My room was in the new tower, giving me superb views over the city. What a view to wake up to!
The room was beautifully laid out and spotlessly clean and boasted a jacuzzi bath and rainforest shower. The linens were of exceptional quality, and the bed was extremely comfortable.
The standard of housekeeping was excellent, and the hotel’s public spaces were extremely well presented. Staff in the hotel were all very welcoming to all their guests, and if you looked a little lost or needed something, staff were there to assist.
Checking was swift and professional. As I had driven for several hours to get to Athlone, nothing could tempt me more than a head and shoulder massage to relieve my driver fatigue.
The Sirana Spa is cocooned deep within the Sheraton Athlone Hotel. It is inspired by the sand, heat, and colours of the Sahara Desert. Sirana features unique signature spa treatments coupled with the most popular Elemis spa treatments.
This is pampering on a different level. Regina expertly whisked away my aches and pains and left me in a state of total relaxation.
The ethos in the spa is that the therapists ensure that every treatment is prescribed for your needs that day. Boy did I feel great and I have to admit I fell asleep.
Community Spirit.
The Sheraton Athlone makes the hotel a large part of the community, and no one is better suited to that task than the star of the Sheraton, Joe Carmodey. Joe is the restaurant manager, sommelier, and, it would appear, entertainment manager as well.
Joe hosted a free wine tasting session in La Provence Brasserie. In addition to giving us some expert guidance on the standard dos and don’ts regarding wine, Joe managed to get all the participants talking to each other as if they were long-lost family members.
We all booked in for dinner and had a ball that evening.
La Provence Brasserie offers a wide selection of beautifully cooked food. The Sheraton cleverly pairs wines with each course on the menu, so if you fancy a little glass of wine, the Sheraton has done the leg work for you and has an expert suggestion right at your fingertips.
I chose the slow-cooked rib of beef, which was absolutely beautiful. It was expertly cooked in a rich jus and divinely delivered to my table by the amazing Joe himself.
My wife had the Sea Bass, and it, too, came cooked to perfection. Service in La Brasserie is quietly efficient and to the point. Overall, La Brasserie is a wonderful place to eat, and I could not recommend it highly enough.
Tables are well-spaced, and service is right on par for a 4-star hotel.
The Sheraton Athlone has three dining options. La Provence Brasserie serves delicious French-inspired cuisine, Harvest Homemade offers a range of healthy and hearty options, and the S Bar & Bistro is the perfect spot for a casual evening meal or a quick snack.
Now, after all that talk of Fabolous food, we all need a little exercise to keep the heart healthy, and yes, you guessed it as the Sheraton Athlone Hotel boasts an impressive array of amenities, including:
* A 20-meter indoor pool, perfect for relaxation and exercise
* A state-of-the-art fitness centre equipped with the latest machinery
Take advantage of the hotel’s prime location and explore the best of Athlone.
Visit the nearby Luan Gallery, explore the Athlone Castle, or stroll along the River Shannon.
The hotel’s concierge team were and is happy to assist with arranging activities, such as golfing, fishing, or horseback riding. I was put in contact with Athlone Guided Walking Tours www.athloneguidedtours.ie Vincent, the Guide, knows more about Athlone and its history, and he is willing and able to disseminate some very interesting facts, including the very famous John Francis McCormack (Irish Tenor), who was born on 14 June 1884 in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland, the second son and fifth of the 11 children (five of whom died in infancy or childhood) of Andrew McCormack and his wife Hannah Watson.
His parents were both from Galashiels, Scotland and worked at the Athlone Woollen Mills, where his father was a foreman.
He was baptised in St Mary’s Church, Athlone, on 23 June 1884. Please take a tour with Vincent.
**Special Offers and Packages**
The Athlone Sheraton Hotel regularly offers exclusive packages and promotions designed to enhance your stay.
Take advantage of deals like the “Kids Stay and Eat Free” offer, the “Taste of Autmn” package, or the “Discover 10,000 Reasons for a Rewarding Escape” promotion.
The Athlone Sheraton Hotel is an idyllic retreat, perfect for travellers seeking comfort, luxury, and adventure in the heart of Ireland. With its stunning amenities, delicious dining options, and prime location, this hotel is an ideal choice for couples, families, and business travellers alike. Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or simply unwind, the Sheraton Athlone Hotel has something for everyone.
Now, I did mention two exciting locations. The reason for this is that I left the Sheraton Athlone and decided to spend one more night in this stunning part of Ireland. I popped 15 minutes down the road to Discover the Hodson Bay Hotel.
Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lough Ree, just a short drive from the heart of Athlone, the Hodson Bay Hotel is a four-star luxurious haven offering exceptional amenities and breathtaking views.
This renowned lakeside resort is the perfect fusion of tranquillity and adventure in the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. My room was on the top floor overlooking the amazing Lough Ree and what a view it had. Practically 180 degrees of well just beautiful scenery.
You can sit on your room’s balcony and watch kids playing in the water park. Baysports – Athlone is Ireland’s most unique destination and family fun day out in the heart of Ireland, located just outside Athlone and central to everywhere in Ireland.
Made up of the biggest collection of original, one-off, award-winning floating slides, rockers and challenges, entertaining and delighting people of all ages and abilities.
No matter what the weather, you will have fun here, either on the water or just relaxing in the colourful BayCafé. Some people call it an eyesore on the lake, and others love it, but I can tell you it’s a beautiful sight to see families playing on the water away from their tablets and phones, expending energy and keeping fit, although not owned by the hotel Baysports are a real magnet to the area.
Hodson Bay Hotel boasts a variety of top-tier accommodation, tailored to ensure a restful stay. Guests can indulge in fine dining and casual restaurants, fully equipped conferencing suites, a state-of-the-art leisure centre, and a luxurious spa.
For the first time, guests can exclusively explore Yew Point at Hodson Bay, a mesmerizing 145-acre natural sanctuary. Wander through meadows and wood. nds, navigate the 3.5km looped trail, delight in the fairy trail, and revel in the serene shorelines of Lough Ree.
Special Packages & Activities
Whether it’s an alluring Autumn Escape or a meticulously planned staycation, the Hodson Bay Hotel caters to every need. Take advantage of their exclusive discounts to plan a comprehensive holiday itinerary, covering bookings for dinners, spa, pool, and local activities.
Weddings by the Bay
Celebrate your wedding at one of Ireland’s premier lakeside venues. The experienced wedding team ensures your special day is flawlessly executed, offering support and flexibility from the planning stages to the big day.
Unique Dining Experiences
Relish in the variety of dining options, including the latest addition—our outdoor restaurant, which enhances the overall experience with its scenic lakeside views.
Plan Your Visit Today!
Hodson Bay Hotel is your gateway to myriad local attractions—from scenic walks and heritage sites to adventure centres and distillery tours. Make use of their comprehensive planning tools to create unforgettable memories.
Stay Connected
Visit the Hodson Bay Hotel website for more information or to book your stay. You can also sign up for their newsletter to stay updated on the latest news and offers.
Contact Details:
- Address: Roscommon Road, Athlone, N37 XR82
- Email: info@hodsonbayhotel.com
- Phone: +353 (0) 90 644 2004
Explore the magnificence of the Hodson Bay Hotel – your luxurious escape awaits!
