First visitors give castle refurbishment the thumbs up

The multi-million euro re-development of Athlone Castle has received the thumbs up from its first visitors today (Tuesday). The castle, which was closed to the public for the last three summers, has been given a modern facelift into a hugely impressive visitor attraction which showcases its own history and that of the Athlone area. Cornamaddy National School pupils were the last visitors to be brought inside the castle gates before work on site began last year, so it was fitting that 39 sixth class pupils from the school were the first to enter the facility when it re-opened to the public on Tuesday morning. The renovation project was developed by Athlone Town Council with the support of a €2.07 million grant from Fáilte Ireland through its Tourism Capital Investment Programme. For full coverage of the opening of Athlone Castle, see this week's Westmeath Independent out this Wednesday.