Athlone Castle Visitor Centre to close this weekend for nine months

Athlone Castle Visitor Centre is to close to the public this weekend for at least nine months as it is set to undergo a multi-million euro redevelopment.

The visitor centre will close to the public from Sunday, October 19, and is expected to re-open in Autumn of next year, although the estimated reopening date is subject to confirmation.

Westmeath County Council will be undertaking improvement works at the site as part of a redevelopment project, supported by €3.2 million in funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, co-funded by the EU and the Government of Ireland under the EU Just Transition Fund.

A statement from Athlone Arts & Tourism explaining the development, said: "The project will focus on revitalising Athlone Castle to provide a more enhanced visitor experience. Works will include significant upgrades to ageing utilities and mechanical systems, a reconfiguration of the visitor centre layout and interpretation, and enhancements to the courtyard, reception and retail areas."

"The anticipated reopening is Autumn 2026, although this date is subject to confirmation. Athlone Arts & Tourism will share updates throughout the project and in advance of reopening on social media channels and the Athlone Castle website."

Tenders for the redevelopment project were advertised this Summer with contracts expected to be signed in November at that stage.

Two separate contracts were to be awarded as part of the project - one for base build construction and conservation works and one for the exhibition and joinery works.

According to the tender documents, the enhancement project "aims to deliver a clearly organised and highly engaging visitor experience, enhancing Athlone Castle's position as a flagship cultural attraction within the Hidden Heartlands region and a vital component of the Athlone destination experience.

It aims to reflect and enhance the history of the castle and the town with a reconfigured visitor journey through authentic historic spaces, engaging with unique artefacts, compelling media and interactive opportunities for all ages and abilities.

Among the elements outlined in the base-build contract are localised works to the existing fabric to reveal original materiality, windows etc; fabric conservation works where required; adaptations to existing fabric to facilitate ticketing (pending statutory consents); a new staircase and relocation of existing staircase; and widening openings.

This section of the revamp will also entail a new coffee kiosk/pantry kitchen, and new retail and staff accommodation; new flooring and joinery/painting works; and comprehensive upgrades to heating, electrics, lighting and audio visual display.

This contract will involve the provision of a 'shell' ready to receive the exhibition and interpretation fit-out and fitted furniture.

The base build and conservation works contract is intended to move ahead prior to the exhibition and fit-out/joinery contractors work.

The exhibition and joinery/fit-out works will be predominantly to interior spaces of the Keep, Barracks and Armoury, with some external wayfinding and interpretation elements, according to the tender documents.

It will also involve external interpretation, signage and wayfinding labeling and installations; mounts and display casing for objects, props, dressing as required.

The joinery/furniture will include fitted furniture for new reception/ticketing, storage, archive, lockers, staff accommodation, coffee kiosk and retail space.

Westmeath county councillors recently approved the planning process for the work. They were told by Chief Executive Barry Kehoe that the tourist attraction currently caters for 35,000 visitors annually, and it is hoped to double those figures to 70,000.