Last Christmas,the then Mayor of Athlone Cllr Frankie Keena officially turned on the Christmas lights with Phillis Furey,Santa and Olaf.

Free parking in run-up to Christmas

Shoppers will enjoy free parking in Athlone on the final two Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas, the Mayor of the town has confirmed.
Councillor Tom Farrell (Fine Gael) said: “It’s our Christmas gift to the people of Athlone”.
Free parking will apply in all of the council operated car parks in Athlone on Saturday, December 12 and Saturday, December 19.
Cllr Farrell also said the Christmas lights will be officially switched on at the Civic Centre on Monday, December 7 at 5pm. The festive atmosphere will be added to with Christmas carols and music.