Premier Ireland Coach Services

Athlone Minibuses on the Shannon

Athlone sits in the middle of Ireland, on the River Shannon beside Lough Ree. It's a handy base for touring both east and west, and a minibus keeps a small group together between the river, the heritage sites and the cities beyond.

Choosing the right airport

Every airport is a fair drive from Athlone, so pick the one that suits your flights. Knock, officially Ireland West Airport, lies around 100 km off via the N61, an hour to an hour and a half. Dublin is roughly 125 km and about an hour and a half by the M6 and M4, and Shannon is a third choice.

The Dublin route passes the M4 Kilcock to Kinnegad toll. Ask for your quote to say how tolls are handled, and send flight numbers so the driver meets your actual arrival.

Ford Transit minibus cabin with blue and grey seats
Ford Transit minibus cabin with blue and grey seats

Evenings on the river

Sean's Bar, the historic pub on Main Street, is an easy evening out, and boat cruises leave from the town onto the Shannon and Lough Ree. If you're staying at Hodson Bay, a driver can bring you in for dinner and take you back afterwards.

Walkers and cyclists can use the Old Rail Trail Greenway towards Mullingar. A minibus can drop you at the start and meet you further along. Send the exact spots, and the operator confirms that a minibus can safely stop at each.

Airports serving Athlone

Places groups love in Athlone

  • Old Rail Trail Greenway — Walking and cycling route towards Mullingar
  • River Shannon and Lough Ree — Boat cruises from the town
  • Clonmacnoise — Early Christian monastic site on the Shannon (OPW)
  • Sean's Bar — Historic pub on Main Street

Where groups usually stay

  • Hodson Bay (Lough Ree)
  • Town centre / riverside

Heritage days and Galway

Half an hour downriver you'll find Clonmacnoise, where early Christian monks built beside the Shannon. Birr Castle and Belvedere House near Mullingar are each 40 to 45 minutes, so two of these fit into one unhurried day.

Galway is about 95 km west, roughly an hour. The N6 Galway to Ballinasloe toll lies on that road. Plan a full day so there's time to walk the city before heading back.

Questions

Which airport is best for a trip based in Athlone?

It depends on your flights. Knock is about 100 km away and Dublin about 125 km; each takes roughly an hour to an hour and a half.

Can a minibus take us to Clonmacnoise?

Yes, it's about half an hour away. Pair it with Birr Castle or a riverside lunch for a full day.

Can you bring our team to Athlone Town Stadium?

Yes. Athlone Town AFC play at Lissywollen. Share the kick-off time and your pickup address, and we'll match the vehicle to your squad and kit.

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