"Athlone, in the heart of Ireland." Athlone by phayao

Athlone (pop. 17,500) is located in the very centre of the country. Crossed by the Shannon river, is a good base to explore the Irish Midlands.
There are some good new hotels in the town:
Sheraton *****
Radisson ****
Prince of Wales ***
Shamrock Lodge ***
Springs ***
Creggan Court ***

and some in the vecinity:
Hodson Bay ****
Glasson Golf ****

and some very good B+B:
Shelmalier, Retreat Road
Avonree, Coosan
Bastion, Connaught side
Riverside Inn, beside the Castle

Athlone is getting a name in the guide of the best restaurants in Ireland.
Wineport, on the Ballymahon Road, just before Glasson, is the best.
Glasson Village Restaurant, outside Glasson is worth the visit.
Grogan's, in Glasson, is cosy and warm, recommended.

In the centre of Athlone:
Left Bank Bistro, popular with professionals.
Le Chateau, impresive interior.
Kin Khao, the best Thai in Ireland.
Di Bella, a nice Italian.
Hatters, a charming bistro in The Strand.
The Olive Grove, over the Shannon, near the bridge.
The Palace, pub food near the Castle.
O'Neills, a classic place in town.

Clonmacnois, by road (25 km) or by boat (90' sailing), monastic site.
Shannonbridge (30 km), the bog train.
Birr Castle Gardens (40 km), on a sunny day.
Tullamore Destillery (40 km), interesting little place.
Belvedere House, in Mullingar (40 km), recently restored.
Athlone Castle, audiovisual on historical events here.
Sean's Bar, oldest pub in Europe, always very crowded.

Shopping Centres:
Golden Island, popular.
Town Centre, upmarket.

• Pros:Always alive; pubs, restaurants, shops.
• Cons:Dreadful weather on the Shannon basin.
• In a nutshell:Good choice of restaurants, hotels and pubs