Athlone

Athlone, a town on both sides of the Shannon, chiefly in Westmeath, 80 miles W. of Dublin by rail. The Shannon is crossed by a fine bowstring and lattice iron bridge of two arches, 175 and 40 feet span. Till 1885 Athlone returned one member to parliament. Athlone Castle, founded in the reign of King John, was one of the chief military positions in Ireland. In the war of 1688 it was unsuccessfully besieged by William III. in person, but was afterwards taken by General Ginkel. The fortifications cover 15 acres, and contain barracks for 1500 men. Pop. (1891) 6742.