Jam-packed schedule of events at Athlone Castle to celebrate Heritage Week

Athlone Castle Visitor Centre will deliver an exciting programme of events during National Heritage Week this week in collaboration with a selection of specialist heritage experts.

'Athlone Castle Brings History Alive' will feature on-site demonstrations highlighting the history and heritage of Athlone. The events will span key periods in Athlone’s historic walled town and castle’s history. Following the theme of sustainable heritage for this year’s Heritage Week, the castle programme has been devised to appeal to all ages, interests and ethnicities.

On Tuesday, August 16, John Lonergan will deliver a virtual talk on the recently completed conservation works on Athlone’s town walls. John is a well-respected stonemason who was engaged in the conservation works of Athlone’s historic medieval town walls. He will speak about the tools and methods used to preserve the medieval masonry walls as well as the importance of preserving Irish built heritage. The pre-recorded talk will be available on Athlone Castle’s social media channels on Tuesday from 1pm.

The popular ‘Storm the Castle’ event makes a welcome return to Athlone Castle on Wednesday, August 17. Athlone Castle will open its doors to the museum, visitor centre and grounds, for all to attend, free of charge. Visitors can explore the Castle Visitor Centre during an open day with the Society for Creative Anachronism who will be on site with displays relating to life in a bygone Medieval village.

Master bowyer Jack Pinson will return to Athlone Castle to demonstrate historical longbow-making techniques, focusing on medieval military archery. He will demonstrate a depiction of longbow making as it might have looked during the 100 year’s war in the 15th century. Jack’s demonstration will take place at Athlone Castle on Friday, August 19 at 1pm.

On Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21, visitors will have the opportunity to rediscover the joys of traditional games with a weekend of fun in Athlone Castle’s courtyard. They can enjoy playing popular games including X&Os, Tumbling Tower, Connect Four, Snakes and Ladders, Hopscotch and more. A selection of period costumes will also be available for visitors to try on.

Athlone Castle’s Heritage Week celebrations will culminate with the return of Custard Pie Puppets on Sunday, August 21. This popular puppet theatre company will showcase a unique, Irish adaptation of a ‘Punch and Judy’ show. Custard Pie Puppets will perform two ‘Punch and Judy’ shows for children.

Booking is essential as places are limited. The two shows will commence at 1pm and 2.30pm. For further details on booking any of these events, visit www.athlonecastle.ie/events or contact Athlone Castle by email at info@athlonecastle.ie or by telephone on 090 6442130.

All the Heritage Week events at Athlone Castle are supported by the Heritage Council under the Irish Walled Towns Network 2022 Interpretation Fund.