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ATHLONE
proceed past the Castle (the original castle is attributed to Prince John ; the only old part is the keep), whose massive towers are comparatively modern. It is now used as a barrack. It overlooks the Shannon, here crossed by a handsome bridge, opened in 1844, from which there is a good view of the iron railway bridge, with two river-spans of 175 feet.
The old bridge was in June 1691 the scene of as stubborn a fight as is to be found in history. Ginckell, William’s general, had already made himself master of the town on the E. bank, and the Irish on the W. bank, awaiting the arrival of St. Ruth, were but few. They determined to hold the bridge which was narrow and also cumbered by mills, so that the numerical superiority of the English was of little avail. Step by step the handful of Irish under Colonel Fitzgerald were forced to give ground, but at length the bridge was broken down behind them, and the few who were left plunged into the river and swam
to the W. bank.
The Castle having been bombarded for more than a week and the bridge repaired. it was determined to carry the works by assault, but again the bridge was destroyed by the Irish, and their foes had to pass the river by a ford a short distance lower down. This time the resistance was feeble, as St. Ruth had drawn off his forces. For the battle of Aghrim, see p. 163.
Of excursions from Athlone three only call for description : to the Seven Churches of Clonmacnoise; to “Auburn” ; and up Lough Ree. Of these, the second does not readily combine with any through route, but Clonmacnoise may be taken on the way to
Galway, rejoining the rail at Ballinasloe, and Lough Ree will be fairly seen if a boat be hired to Knockcroghery (p. 196) on the line to Ballina and Westport.
1. To the Seven Churches of Clonmacnoise, about 12 ½ m (10 Irish), from the hotels. Car (2 passengers) there and back including driver, 12s. 6d. ; Athlone via Clonmacnoise and Shannon Bridge Bridge (16 ½ m., 14 Irish) to Ballinasloe (26 m., 21 Irish) including driver, 18s. For boat-and-man to Clonmacnoise and back, see p. 191. The distance by river is about 8 m.
In fine weather, the row or sail down the Shannon is to be preferred, unless the traveller is going by road on to Ballinasloe, in which case he would have to walk the 4 miles to Shannon-bridge, because no cars are to be had at Clonmacnoise.
By river. Starting from the Strand, in about 4 miles we reach. Long Island, with a cairn at the far end. The islet of Inchinalee is about 2 miles further down. There is nothing on either bank to call for notice, and the low land on each side is often under water so that the channel is marked by posts.
By road. Take the right—hand street at the fork just beyond Haire’s Hotel. On quitting the town the road is well wooded, particularly at Glenwood House, 2 m. further, where it forks and we go to the right. Crossing a hilly country a glimpse of the Shannon is obtained, right, and then skirting the demesne of Ballynahown Court we bend round it, right, through the village (6 ¼ m.) of that name. Onward the road is nearly straight, but crosses such a
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