Changing times across Athlone’s retail scene

The retail and hospitality landscape of Athlone's high street had cause for a boost in recent weeks with the openings of several new businesses adding to the choice on offer for locals and visitors to the town.

But in contrast to these new beginnings, a number of local businesses have also closed their doors for the final time recently.

On the positive front, a variety of newly-opened businesses have been adding to the hospitality options on offer in the centre of Athlone.

The Reel & Bean café has proven popular since opening in Garden Vale, close to the Sheraton hotel. Serving hot and cold beverages, breakfast, lunch and snacks, Reel & Bean also has a wellness aspect to the business, with pilates and weekend community runs adding to the menu on offer to customers.

Another coffee shop, Sláinte Coffee & Community, opened in August on Mardyke Street, in the unit previously occupied by Liam McCormack Menswear. According to its owners, the coffee and healthy food hub is about "creating a place where people feel welcome, building community, and serving food and drinks we're proud of".

Neighbouring business Namo opened at Unit 42 in Athlone Towncentre, facing Mardyke Street, in July. The Mexican restaurant chain offers "burritos and more" from a unit that was previously James McBride Family Butchers.

Country music star Cliona Hagan, and her musician husband Simon Sheerin, from Tang, opened their new gastropub, Mary Mc's, on Church Street in mid-August, in the unit that was previously home to pub The Brazen Monkey.

From a retail perspective, Éadú recently opened its doors on Mardyke Street. The clothing store caters for women and men and is located in the premises previously occupied by Graces.

Habitat ReStore has opened at Unit 9, Monksland Retail Park. It is a non-profit home improvement store and donation centre, operated by Habitat for Humanity, which sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, and home goods to the public at a fraction of retail prices.

There have also been a number of high-profile business closures recently. The Bailey, a popular gastropub across from Athlone Garda Station, permanently closed its doors in late August.

Rob's Ranch House, meanwhile, closed its Irishtown, Athlone, premises this month. The restaurant, which served "classic ranch-style comfort food", was run by Shannen Kelly and Peter Campbell. The restaurant first opened in 2018.

The local retail sector was also impacted by the closure of Caffrey's Furniture outlet in Blyry Industrial Estate.

Announcing its decision to close the Athlone branch of the business in late July, the company said it was "officially closing its doors due to the end of our lease".