Athlone landmarks "going green" for St Patrick’s Day

Athlone Castle and the town's White Railway Bridge are being specially lit up this month in order to help mark St Patrick's Day.

The Fáilte Ireland initiative was welcomed by Westmeath County Council's tourism officer, Fiona Fitzgerald, who said it would help "promote our county and attract international visitors to celebrate here when travel opens back up."

She said a number of locations were being specially illuminated, and a line-up of virtual events was also taking place around the national holiday.

The Fáilte Ireland greening project is in addition to the greening of Heritage sites and State buildings announced this week by the Government in association with the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the St Patrick’s Festival Organisation.

"While we can't celebrate St Patrick’s Day in the same way this year, we hope to keep Ireland front of mind and showcase what we have to offer across the country," commented Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals at Fáilte Ireland.