John de Gray, the Bishop of Norwich, built Athlone Castle during the Norman Invasion of Ireland under King John at the start of the 13th century.

This tough-looking fortress was positioned here to protect a crossing point on the River Shannon.

In good visibility, the Cliffs of Moher (Aillte an Mothair, or Ailltreacha Mothair) are staggeringly beautiful. The entirely vertical cliffs rise to a height of 214m, their edge abruptly falling away into a ceaselessly churning Atlantic.

The visitor center opens every morning at 9 a.m. Admission costs €6 (approximately $6.50) for adults. Parking at the visitor center parking lot (located across the road) is included in the cost of your admission ticket, which can be purchased at the green booths in the parking lot or inside the center.

About an hour from Athlone, consider making a day trip to Galway. With a mix of bohemian cool and traditional culture, this western city on the edge of the Atlantic has a well-deserved reputation as one of Ireland’s most enjoyable destinations. It also has one of the liveliest pub scenes on the island!

A spectacular monastery on the banks of the river Shannon. St Ciarán founded his monastery in the 6th Century. The ruins include a Cathedral, two round Towers, three high crosses, nine Churches and over 700 Early Christian graveslabs.