| Athlone is situated in the centre of Ireland
and has about 20,000 inhabitants. Its strategic location on the Shannon River has given
the town an important role in the Irish history. Indeed, in the past, it was an important
fortress. Since ancient times (its first bridge was built in the Norman period) the city
grew as a commercial centre and, in the 12th century, Athlone became the most
important urban centre of Midlands region. From 1566, Athlone became the headquarters of
the provincial government of Connacht till the dramatic sieges of 1690 and 1691, when the
city was destroyed. In spite of the serious damages suffered during the siege of 1691, the
city conserves ruins of walls from 1576 and those of the Franciscan monastery, from 1241. |
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Nowadays, it is an important commercial,
industrial and tourist centre and also an important road junction. In this city there is
the Regional Technical College, the city's most important scholastic institute that is
attended by 3,500 students. Its industry is based on computer and software, on health care
products, on pharmaceuticals and on telecommunications. In Athlone, tourism is an
continuos development because of its history and sportive activities on the Shannon River
and on the Lake Ree. The Lake Ree, on the North of Athlone, is one of the biggest and most
beautiful lakes in Ireland. The most characteristic place is a little peninsula on which
Rinndow Castle rises, the ruins of an ancient castle dominated by a big tower, from 1227. |
| In the surroundings, one can visit
Clonmacnoise, one of the most famous holy places in Ireland. There are various
architectonic buildings: the ancient Cathedral , from 900: the Great Cross, an enormous
monolith of the 10th century; several churches amongst that of the nuns, in
Romanesque style. Every year, Athlone welcomes the "All Ireland Drama
Festival". |
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