Athlone Castle

Athlone Castle. . , Athlone Castle was initially an Anglo-Norman motte, or fortified artificial mound. The site was taken over by the crown, and in 1210 a free-standing polygonal stone tower was built on it. Later in the thirteenth century curtain walls and drum towers were added. It is thought that an outer ward and gatehouse, both no longer extant, were also put in place at this time., The original entrance faced the river. The present entrance ramp seems to have been constructed out of rubble during the siege of Athlone. A Tudor-period residence overlooking the river was destroyed in the siege. Soon after 1800 the castle took its present shape, when it was remodelled as an artillery platform and small barracks. The wall and towers on the east side were lowered, and embrasures and traversing rails for cannon constructed. Numerous musket loops were added to guard the entrance and central tower. Quarters were provided for the garrison in new and refurbished buildings., ① Entrance gate and ramp , ② Castle keep , ③ Barrack building , ④ Tower 1 , ⑤ Tower 2 , ⑥ Tower 3 , ⑦ Shannon commissioners' bridge 1844 , ⑧ Site of Sir Henry Sidney's bridge 1567 , ⑨ River Shannon , ⑩ Outer curtain wall , ⑪ Inner ward courtyard , ⑫ Museum entrance , ⑬ Site of residence of president of Connacht , ⑭ Cannon and embrasure