Some Athlone hotels now closed due to Level 3 restrictions

A number of hotels in the Athlone area have been forced to close temporarily as a result of the Level 3 restrictions which came into effect nationwide this week.

The Radisson Blu Hotel in the town announced yesterday that its doors were closing until Friday, October 30.

In a social media post, the hotel's general manager, Fergus O'Donovan, said people with bookings were being contacted in order to reschedule.

"We are hugely grateful to all our team who have shown such solidarity over the past few months, and to all our guests for your incredible support. Once it is safe to do so, we look forward to welcoming you all back through our doors," he said.

Also in the town centre, the Prince of Wales Hotel closed from yesterday (Wednesday), stating that it hopes to reopen on October 28.

The Creggan Court Hotel, on the Dublin Road, is to close tomorrow (Friday), due to the restrictions, and it's also hoping to reopen on October 28.

Under the Level 3 measures, people are advised to stay within their own county, unless they are travelling for work or other essential reasons, which has sharply reduced the number of guests a hotel can hope to attract.

Nevertheless, some hotels in the area are remaining open for residents, including the Hodson Bay, Sheraton, Wineport Lodge and Athlone Springs Hotels.

The Glasson Country House Hotel and Golf Club also said it would be remaining open for hotel residents and would be continuing to welcome guests for limited-capacity outdoor dining.