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Athlone’s Best Kept Secrets
As the days grow longer and the weather picks up, there’s no better time to uncover some of Athlone’s best-kept secrets. Whether you’re on the hunt for a cosy coffee spot, a hidden food gem, or an adventure-filled day out, we’ve rounded up the must-visit places to explore this April.
Secret Bites: Hidden Foodie Favourites
Discover the tucked-away spots serving incredible food, from woodfired pizzas to cosy cafés. These hidden gems are where great flavours meet local secrets.
Broke Boy Pizza
Hidden inside Peddler Mac’s pub, Broke Boy Pizza is a secret worth discovering. Owned by pizza enthusiast Paddy, this spot specialises in woodfired Neapolitan-style pizza, with a beautifully blistered crust and top-quality ingredients. Their core menu is small but mighty, featuring classics like the Margherita, the flavour-packed Monday Club, pepperoni, and the crowd-favourite Korean BBQ. Every pizza is cooked to perfection in a high-temperature woodfired oven, striking the perfect balance of crispy, airy, and charred.
If you’re in the mood for something different, keep an eye out for their specials, where Paddy gets creative with seasonal ingredients and bold new flavour combinations. Whether you’re a pizza purist or looking to try something unique, Broke Boy Pizza is the perfect hidden spot to grab a slice, sip a pint, and savour one of Athlone’s best-kept secrets.
Savory Fare & Fernhill
Tucked away inside Fernhill Garden Centre, Savoury Fare is a hidden gem perfect for a relaxed breakfast or leisurely lunch. This cosy café is known for its homemade treats, hearty meals, and fresh-baked goods, all served in a peaceful, nature-filled setting. Whether you’re stopping by for a full Irish breakfast, a fresh salad, or a slice of their famous cake, every dish is made with quality ingredients and a touch of home-cooked charm.
The garden centre itself adds to the experience, offering a wide selection of plants, flowers, and gardening essentials. It’s the ideal place for plant lovers to explore while soaking in the serene, green surroundings.
With large windows overlooking the greenery and an inviting atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot to unwind with a coffee and soak in the tranquillity. Whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, Fernhill & Savoury Fare is a hidden retreat where great food meets natural beauty.
Poppy Fields Café
Poppy Fields Café is a charming and bustling spot right in the centre of town, run by the warm and welcoming Geraldine, who’s known for her love of coffee and creating a friendly atmosphere. The café offers an amazing selection of hot and cold food, perfect for any time of the day. From a hearty fry-up to freshly baked scones with jam, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
The café is a cosy retreat, but the real gem is its outdoor seating area. Whether you’re enjoying a coffee on a sunny afternoon or grabbing a quick bite in between errands, the outdoor space is ideal for soaking up the lively vibe of the town while enjoying delicious food. Whether you’re after a casual breakfast, a light lunch, or just a coffee break, Poppy Fields Café is the perfect place to unwind.
The Hungry Bull
Serving up some of the best Neapolitan pizza in town, The Hungry Bull is always on the move, bringing their mouthwatering creations wherever the cravings are strongest. Their goal is simple: to create light, digestible, and delicious pizza using a 96-hour fermented dough that results in a soft, slightly charred, and flavorful crust.
For them, great pizza starts with great bread, and they’re obsessed with perfecting the process. Every pizza is made with high-quality ingredients, carefully chosen to let the flavours shine. With years of experimentation and a deep passion for tradition, The Hungry Bull delivers an authentic Neapolitan experience—where simplicity meets excellence in every bite.
Keep an eye on their socials to track their mobile pizza paradise! The Hungry Bull roams between Dan’s Tavern and The Mill, ensuring no one misses out on their delicious creations.
Bastion Kitchen
Bastion Kitchen is a quirky and colourful breakfast and lunch spot, a hidden gem tucked away on the vibrant and lively Connaught Street in Athlone. Just a 30-second walk from Ireland’s oldest bar, Sean’s Bar, and directly across from the shop Michael Jackson famously loved, this charming café offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for food lovers of all kinds.
Known for its fresh, wholesome dishes and unique vibe, Bastion Kitchen is the perfect place to kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast or enjoy a leisurely, laid-back lunch. The café’s eclectic décor and friendly atmosphere make it an ideal spot to meet up with friends, grab a quick bite, or sip a morning coffee with the family. Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or more indulgent, every dish is crafted with care, offering both comfort and creativity in equal measure.
With its quirky, yet homely feel, Bastion Kitchen is more than just a café; it’s a warm retreat where you can unwind, recharge, and savour every moment—making it a must-visit spot in Athlone.
Secret Sips: Coffee & Café Culture
Dive into the heart of coffee and café culture, exploring the artistry behind the perfect brew. It’s a celebration of the hidden gems where every sip tells a story of craftsmanship and passion.
The Wandering Elk
Wandering Elk is a must-visit for coffee lovers, serving expertly brewed coffee and fresh, made-to-order sandwiches. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee on the go or picking up a takeaway bite, this spot stands out for its exceptional offerings. The café offers a unique coffee experience, catering to all tastes—from those with a sweet tooth to those who prefer savory flavours, their carefully crafted coffee blends complement both beautifully.
Alongside their exceptional brews, Wandering Elk serves delicious sourdough bread sandwiches and irresistible donuts, which have quickly become favourites among those in the know. It’s the perfect place to grab a flavour-packed coffee and indulge in some truly mouthwatering treats.
Bridge 51
Bridge 51 is an amazing coffee shop tucked away inside House Fitness, offering the perfect blend of great coffee and fitness culture. Collaborating closely with the gym, it’s an ideal spot for gym-goers looking for a pre-workout caffeine boost or a relaxing post-exercise coffee.
However, it’s not just for fitness enthusiasts—passersby are always welcome to stop in and enjoy a refreshing break. Specialising in artistic coffee and smoothies, Bridge 51 offers a unique menu with standout items like acai bowls, overnight oats, and incredible sandwiches. They also provide protein-boosted options, with protein powder available to add to any drink, making it a great choice for those looking to fuel up or enhance their recovery. Whether you’re passing through or settling in, it’s the perfect place to refuel and unwind.
Secret Adventures: Hidden Experiences & Events
reveals the unique and unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered. It’s your guide to the hidden treasures that add an extra layer of excitement to your journey.
The Viking Boat
The Viking Boat offers a one-of-a-kind adventure, allowing you to explore Athlone from the water and step back in time to the Viking era. Led by the beloved Viking Mike, this historical cruise brings the rich history of the Vikings and the town itself to life, offering fascinating stories and breathtaking views along the way.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s a must-do experience that gives you a unique perspective of Athlone’s stunning River Shannon. The boat is reopening for the spring and summer season this Easter, so be sure to keep an eye on their socials to find out when you can embark on this unforgettable adventure, exclusive to Athlone’s beautiful waterways. The Viking Boat also caters to corporate parties and personal party hires, making it the perfect venue for everything from birthday celebrations to team-building events.
The Hill of Uisneach
Often called the ‘sacred centre of Ireland,’ the Hill of Uisneach is a magical place steeped in history, mythology, and spiritual significance. This hidden gem offers a truly unique experience, perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature, explore their spiritual side, or simply brush up on Ireland’s rich past. Take a heritage tour on Sundays to uncover the myths and legends woven into the landscape, from ancient kings to sacred rituals.
For an experience like no other, don’t miss their incredible Bealtaine Fire Festival on May 1st—a breathtaking celebration of renewal, tradition, and community that brings the hill to life in a spectacular way!
Athlone Castle Easter Event
Athlone Castle’s Easter event on 19th April promises a fun-filled family day! As one of the town’s most historic landmarks, the castle is a must-visit, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
This special Easter event will feature a mix of activities, entertainment, and interactive experiences, ensuring fun for visitors of all ages. Kids can take part in festive games and Easter-themed surprises, while parents can soak in the castle’s rich history and stunning surroundings. Whether you’re a history lover or just looking for a great day out with the family, this event is the perfect way to celebrate Easter and create lasting memories!
Croílar Festival
Athlone’s newest music festival is here! Croílar Festival is bringing an incredible lineup of live music, spanning electronic, indie, folk, trad, and more, with events happening across multiple venues in town.
Friday Highlights:
- The Venue (Big Room): David Kitt, Mohammed Syfkhan, Brawni
- St. Mary’s Church: Aoife Nessa Frances, Rory Sweeney & Pippa Molony
- Peddlar Mac’s: Driving Blue, Rizla Silvers
- The Brazen Monkey: Pop-up Gaeltacht
Saturday Highlights:
- The Venue (Big Room): Of All Living Things, Lucy McWilliams, Junior Brother
- St. Mary’s Church: Tolü Makay, Keith Plunkett
- Canopy (Outdoor): Joneyz, Lesko
- Flannery’s, McNeill’s & More!
Sunday:
- St. Mary’s Hall: Ceili Workshop, Growing Self-Compassionate Children Book Launch
- The Snug: All-day DJ set with Barry Goode & Ossian Moore
This community-driven festival celebrates music in all its forms, from high-energy dance beats to intimate acoustic sessions. Don’t miss out—limited tickets available at www.croilar.ie!
Athlone is full of surprises, and these hidden gems are just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re indulging in some of the best food and coffee or heading out on a unique adventure, there’s no shortage of secret spots to uncover this April. Get out, explore, and enjoy everything this vibrant town has to offer!
Plan your month in Athlone today!
