Athlone and Bigmeadow in County Westmeath, Leinster, Ireland — Mid-East (and Dublin)

From The Mansion House to The Snug

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 4, 2025

1. From The Mansion House to The Snug Marker

Inscription.

Built about 1620, this entire three story building was formerly known as "The Mansion House'.

Its location provided perfect surveillance over the River Shannon, the Old Town Bridge and the main 'Connaught Market Street'. The building was fortified inside the old town walls and was protected by the castle cannons and nearby bastions.

The first known owners were the family of Captain Richard St. George (1590-1667) who was the governor of Athlone town and castle. He is buried locally with his wife Ann at St. Mary's Church. Their first son, Arthur St. George also resided here and was the 'town baliff and commissioner for Poll Money'. He also represented Athlone in the House of Commons in 1692-3 and 1695-99.

The 'Mansion House' was divided into four separate dwellings by Henry Fry in about 1740 and is now known as Fry Place. In 1806 in order to avoid higher taxes the large 'Wyatt style' windows and shop fronts were installed. In the 1920s this premises became James Elliott's pub and grocery. This property is regarded as being of 'Regional Architectural Importance' and still maintains its unique historical charm.

Erected by The Snug Bar.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1620.

Location.

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53° 25.344′ N, 7° 56.555′ W. Marker is in Athlone, Leinster, in County Westmeath. It is in Athlone and Bigmeadow. It is at the intersection of High Street and Main Street, on the left when traveling west on High Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 Fry Place, Athlone, Leinster N37 C6T2, Ireland. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Hidden Heartlands. Globally, it is in the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

on the Island of Ireland,

on the Celtic Fringe,

in the European Union,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mark Begg... Innkeeper & Entrepreneur (a few steps from this marker); Sean's Bar (within shouting distance of this marker); Áit Bhreithe - T.P. O'Connor - Birthplace (within shouting distance of this marker); The Right Honourable T.P O'Connor M.P. (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the President's House (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Titanic Memorial (about 90 meters away); 24-Pounder Gun (about 90 meters away); Athlone Castle (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athlone.

Also see . . . The Snug: Our Story. (Submitted on April 12, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 4, 2025

2. From The Mansion House to The Snug Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.