Rathcroghan Visitor Centre is located in the medieval village of Tulsk, within the royal complex of Cruachan, the oldest and largest unexcavated royal complex in Europe. Rathcroghan archaeological complex has a huge concentration of sites – over 240 in all, contained within a 6km² area. With everything from Neolithic tombs to Iron Age burial mounds, ringforts to standing stones, the great ceremonial mound of Rathcroghan and even Ireland’s Gate to Hell, this landscape has to be seen to be believed. Alongside the archaeology is a fascinating early medieval literature, it being the home, after all, of the Great Warrior Queen of Connacht, Medb (Maeve), who sent vast armies out in search of the Brown Bull of Cooley. Explore Rathcroghan and medieval Tulsk through the new interpretive exhibition, take a guided tour of the archaeological complex with one of the knowledgeable guides, or visit the sites at your own pace. While you’re here, relax in the award-winning Táin Café, pick up a unique memento of your visit to Connacht’s ancient capital in their gift shop, and most of all, have fun!

The Arigna Mining Experience will certainly appeal to those looking for a day out with a difference. The visitor centre is located in a beautiful scenic location overlooking Lough Allen. Now a popular tourist spot, this visitor centre is a community inspired initiative that preserves the 400 year coal mining heritage of this area, and allows visitors an insight into coal mining life as it was in the Arigna Valley for centuries. With an ex-Miner as your tour-guide, the visit to the museum includes access to an exhibit area where there is a DVD presentation and a wonderful authentic photographic exhibition. The highlight of the visit is an underground tour with an ex-miner as your tour guide where the visitor is brought to the mine’s coal face and where lighting and sound effects add to the reality of the experience. The centre is fully accessible and is an all-weather facility. It is an ideal day out for the family with a gift shop and coffee shop on site.

Walk into a world of complete sensory heaven at Mingala Day Spa where time is left at the door, stress ends and relaxation begins. Mingala Day Spa is a place of relaxation where you can escape from the pressures of everyday life and transport yourself into a tranquil world. With quality treatments and excellent customer service, Mingala Day Spa provides a full range of body and facial skin care treatments, all designed to enhance well-being for the body, mind and soul.

With fairways that taper to the waters edge, Athlone Golf Club is one of the most picturesque golf courses in Ireland. For enthusiasts or friends searching for fun in the fresh air, it’s the perfect place to play. With all sand based greens and tees to a USGA standard, the course is a delight to play all year round. All the gear you need is available for hire on site and guests are always welcome.

No trip to the midlands is complete without a visit to the Derryglad Folk Museum. The collection showcases Farm & Folk life in Ireland from the 18th century to the recent past. See all sorts of artefacts from a time gone by, from horse-drawn machinery restored to the original working order to a 1930's old-style thatched bar & grocery. It's a step back in time and a picture of bygone days.

Since opening our doors in 1850, Sheffield Jewellers has built on an excellent reputation and is now synonymous with quality and friendly service. Generations of loyal customers are testament to that. We have a wide range of jewellery, Celtic and Claddagh jewellery, diamond engagement rings, wedding rings and watches. Our highly trained and knowledgeable staff will guide and assist you with your special purchase.

The Shannon Princess is a luxury boutique hotel barge that exclusively cruises the fabled river Shannon in Ireland. On board contemporary luxury seamlessly blends with a welcoming atmosphere and casual informality. With comforts that include Air Con throughout, a deck side spa pool and the finest food and hospitality, it’s little surprise that the Shannon Princess is listed in Chris Santella’s book, ‘Once in a Lifetime Trips’.

Treasures Irish Art is a family run gallery situated in 39 Church Street, in the centre of town just opposite the new Athlone Shopping Centre.

Treasures Irish Art is a family run gallery situated in 39 Church Street, in the centre of town just opposite the new Athlone Shopping Centre.

Lusana Shoe Boutique in Church Street Athlone stocks a wide range of ladies designer footwear and handbags from across Europe including Spain, Italy and Austria.

Burgess Department Store first opened its doors in 1839 in Athlone and from that day to this, the service and range found in every department has made the store a magnet for shoppers throughout the Midlands. Burgess celebrates the tradition of a true department store with passionate specialists who have a hungry eye for what’s new and now. From ladies and mens fashion to footwear and from children to home, at Burgess you’ll find the finest brands in all our Departments. You don’t thrive for over a century without striving for more. And that’s exactly what we offer at Burgess. It’s another level of service brought to life with extras like our personal shopping service, our gifting ideas and a range that’s filled with the interesting and the unusual. Located on Athlone’s main shopping thoroughfare, Church Street, Burgess combines contemporary fashion and style with a sense of heritage.

Burgess Department Store first opened its doors in 1839 in Athlone and from that day to this, the service and range found in every department has made the store a magnet for shoppers throughout the Midlands. Burgess celebrates the tradition of a true department store with passionate specialists who have a hungry eye for what’s new and now. From ladies and mens fashion to footwear and from children to home, at Burgess you’ll find the finest brands in all our Departments. You don’t thrive for over a century without striving for more. And that’s exactly what we offer at Burgess. It’s another level of service brought to life with extras like our personal shopping service, our gifting ideas and a range that’s filled with the interesting and the unusual. Located on Athlone’s main shopping thoroughfare, Church Street, Burgess combines contemporary fashion and style with a sense of heritage.