New Athlone tourist office to operate as self serve kiosk during off-season

A self-serve kiosk will be the point of call for tourists visiting Athlone in the 'off season', elected members of Athlone-Moate Municipal District have heard.

At the monthly meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District, the council executive confirmed that the existing tourist office "will see out the current season, until the end of September, at its current location in Athlone Castle & Visitor Centre", as discussions continue with Failte Ireland regarding its relocation to a new premises.

The council was responding to a question from Cllr Frankie Keena in which he requested an update for the proposed relocation of Athlone tourist office.

"The Council continues discussions with Failte Ireland to facilitate the relocation of the tourist office, with agreement in principle reached on a new town location, pending agreement on facilities required.

"For the off-season this will consist of a self-serve kiosk with the office then having an in-person presence for the new summer season in June 2026," the council executive confirmed.

It means that the new tourist office will operate as a 'self-serve' kiosk for eight months of the year, and a traditional office for the remaining four.

The issue of a new tourist office for Athlone has been raised for discussion at numerous Municipal District meetings, most recently as May, when Cllr Keena stated the need to make such a facility available to visitors "all day long, not just during regular working day hours".

"It is essential that a central location with longer access hours for visitors is found particularly during peak tourist season," the councillor said.

Director of Services Jackie Finney confirmed at the meeting that the tourist office would be relocating and have an all-year-round presence in the town when it eventually opens.

"Having looked at a number of premises in Athlone, we have now identified a central location for the relocated tourist office. There are cost implications involved and so I am not going to say for definite where this particular premises is located," Ms Finney stated at the May meeting.