Things to Do
Explore
Explore the picturesque lakelands surrounding Athlone this summer. Wineport Lodge is the perfect base for your stay, with a wealth of attractions and activities locally; you will be spoiled for choice.
Athlone is a vibrant, bustling town with so much to see, do and enjoy during your stay. To the west Of Athlone, in the shadow of the Castle, you will find the 'old town', an enchanting mix of quaint streets, historic pubs, antique shops, as well as some award winning local restaurants. The east of the town is a shopper’s haven, with many interesting local and international shops side by side and boasting the longest established department store in Ireland, two large shopping centres.
Stroll across the bridge in Athlone and nestling on the right hand bank you’ll find the stunning Luan Gallery. A showcase for the most interesting artists from the midlands, Ireland and abroad, the building itself is a modern work of art in its own right. Continue across the river and back to Athlone Castle, a treat for all the family, with courtyard picnic facilities and charming town views.
The team at Wineport Lodge will happily to advise you on the many attractions to explore locally!
Charm
Nearby Glasson village, the village of the roses, is a charming place to visit, en route to the lake. Pause at the craft gallery to experience the eclectic mix of genuine Irish homemade craft and original art. The village also boasts some old world pubs, which are a delight to visit.
The picturesque village of Ballinahown, close to Athlone is a “Tidy Towns Award” winning village on the Offaly / Westmeath boarder, a place to feast your eyes on Irish craft and design from artists, craftsman, and sculptors. The Celtic Roots Studio, situated in the village, combines a workshop and gallery space with an interpretative centre and display of historic artefacts made from bogwood.
Across the road from the studio, visit the fabulous Ballinahown Tea Rooms, where you can unwind and relax, while savouring locally baked produce and artisan foods.
Just 10 minutes from Athlone in Moate, you find Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park, a wonderful get away that’s full of natural beauty. With a series of paths to wander, a wetland reserve, parklands and a children’s playground, it’s a fabulous place to get out for a stroll.
Wineport Lodge is the ideal base for your escape, come and be charmed at our local craft villages!
Adventure
Experience all that nearby Lough Boora Discovery Park has to offer outdoor enthusiasts, keen botanists, nature lovers, and arts and culture fans. Follow the many walking trails, hire a bike and explore the Boora Bog, enjoy the sculpture trail or experience a fairy walk, then relax afterwards in the cafe.
Drive to Lough Key forest park, just outside Boyle, for a myriad of adventure challenges from zipit, an aerial venture to Boda Borg quests; you will be spoiled for things to do! This historic backdrop encompasses a landmark cluster of unique attractions with a lakeside centre providing an ideal gateway for gentle leisurely activities or more energetic pursuits in the Park. Discover a magical land of exciting activities for children of all ages. Walking Trails in Lough Key suit walkers of all abilities.
For action packed fun visit Ireland’s largest inflatable waterpark at Baysports, a delight for all ages, don your wetsuit and engage in a myriad of activities for the day from dragon boats to canoeing, you’re guaranteed to have fun.
Cycle the old rail trail greenway from Athlone to Mullingar. Located on a disused railway line, this is a ‘must’ cycle for anyone who likes getting out on their bike. This dedicated cycle path follows the old rail track under arched bridges, through a tunnel and past beautiful countryside. With lots of entry and exit points, you can hop on and off to explore the villages and attractions along the way.
Alternatively borrow a bike from us and discover our local countryside, cycle up to Portlick or head into Athlone to see the sights.
With so many options available, let the team at Wineport Lodge help you plan your itinerary.
Traditions
We are an area steeped in long tradition, from religious to historic sites; we have lots of attractions on our doorstep. Take a trip to Clonmacnoise, an early christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon which can be reached by boat or road trip. Explore the ruins, experience the visitor centre and marvel at this monastic settlement.
Continue from Clonmacnoise to Ireland’s Historic Science Centre, Birr Castle. Visitors can learn about the lives of eminent Irish scientists. It also boasts Europe’s oldest wire-suspension bridge, Ireland’s largest gardens and the world’s tallest box hedges. A self-guided science trail leads visitors through the story of telescopes, mirrors, photography and astronomy. Outdoors, the self-guiding trail continues through garden to the famous telescope itself.
Alternatively, head to nearby Belvedere House Gardens and Park, a magnificent estate on the shores of Lough Ennel in Mullingar. The Parklands and woodland trails through the ancient whispering woods of Belvedere are a place of enchantment to saunter through at any time of the year.
At the weekend, take a guided tour of the Hill of Uisneach, part of Ireland’s Ancient East. The enigmatic hill is one of the most sacred and historic sanctuaries in the world. The summit of Uisneach commands extensive panoramic views over the central plain, with no less than twenty counties visible on the horizon and the guided tours illuminate its colourful history.
With so many majestic local attractions Wineport Lodge is the ideal base for your escape!
Walks
Whether you want a short stroll or a longer hike, Wineport Lodge is the ideal place to stay and enjoy the wealth of walking trails available and return after each one and enjoy a hot whiskey and a relaxing view over Lough Ree. Within easy reach of us is Portlick Millennium Forest in Glasson. There is a 5km/ 1.25 hour wonderful walk that explores the wooded glades and farmlands of Portlick and the Whinning peninsula of Lough Ree. Enjoy native trees and attractive and varied views of Lough Ree and an old ruin features near south-west limit of the walk.
Shannon Banks walk in Athlone is a nature trail that starts at the rear of Athlone Castle and is approximately 5kms long. It is a looped bi-directional walk which takes you along the banks of the River Shannon and the old Athlone Canal. There are four information boards along the trail detailing flora, fauna, wildlife and fish that are along the walk and you can even finish with a drink in Sean’s bar afterwards!
Further afield, Dun na SÍ is a lovely place to amble around, nearby Birr castle offers several beautiful walks, Belvedere house is also another wonderful estate offering several types of walks and all have cafe facilities you can enjoy afterwards. Lough Boora and Glinsk Castle Loop in Kinnity offer a chance to ramble across many tracks and trails and enjoy the splendour of the midlands forests and boglands.
With so many great local walks available, Wineport Lodge can create the ideal Walking Break for you.
Golf
For golfing in the midlands, Wineport Lodge is placed to a tee. Within easy range of some renowned local courses and with a team on hand happy to organise everything for you, it’s the perfect place to stay and play. Glasson’s championship course will test the best of golfers and will be enjoyed by all. Surrounded by Lough Ree on three sides, it is set in the most spectacular of landscapes. Athlone Golf Course is situated in the centre of the Ireland, in the beautiful Hodson Bay area. Mount Temple is a traditional 18 hole championship course, renowned for its large links type greens and undulating fairways. With so many great local courses, Wineport Lodge can create the ideal Golf Break for you.
Messing about in Boats
“Believe me, my young friend; there is nothing—absolute nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” Wind in the Willows
Located on the shores of Lough Ree, Wineport Lodge is your ideal base for a boating break. From captaining your own cruiser for the day to joining one of the many local boat trips, you will enjoy exploring the delights of Lovely Lough Ree and the river Shannon. You can step back 1,200 years and sail on the Viking Boat, where Viking Mike will delight with tales of hoards, high kings and big battles in the area. Delight in the flora and fauna to be seen from the deck and you can even travel to ancient Clonmacnoise for the day.
Barracuda Boat Trips will tour the River Shannon or even offer a river taxi service. The River Run offers boat Cruises daily starting from Easter Week. Our team at Wineport Lodge will happily assist you with all your boating needs.
Alternatively head out fishing for the day; our lakelands are a rich source of coarse fish from Bream to Pike. From onshore fishing to heading out with a local gillie for the day, we can help you book your ideal fishing experience.
River Run
River Run is the perfect way to explore the River Shannon with an all weather cruise experience. See the sights and history of Athone from the river! They run cruises every weekend from their base in Athlone town. Private cruises are also available. River Run even offer a direct route from Athlone town up the River Shannon to the Wineport Lodge! Check out their website for more information.
Other Attractions
Athlone equestrian centre offers activities from show jumping or a gentle hack to an established cross country course. Expert tuition is available in all aspects of riding, across all ability levels.
Whiskey tasting and distillery tours are available in both Kilbeggan and Tullamore. Enjoy a guided (or self-guided) tour of the Distillery. Learn more through a masterclass in tasting Irish whiskey. If you are the designated driver they are happy to provide a small taster size for you to enjoy when you return home!
Alternatively if you’re looking for something different, we are well serviced for sporting events and nothing beats the excitement of racing, be it the dog track in Mullingar or horse racing at both Kilbeggan and Roscommon. We can help you plan an exciting trip to the races during your stay.
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