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My Irish Cousin

Car rental at Athlone

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Centreof Ireland, literally
20 minto Clonmacnoise
1h 15mto Dublin or Galway
Finding us

Picking up at Athlone, made simple

Golden Island, Ankers Bower, Tang, Co. Westmeath, N37 X953, Ireland
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Why start here

What makes this spot special

your cousin's local knowledge
Athlone

Athlone sits on the River Shannon, right at the geographic centre of Ireland. The branch is at Golden Island on the Bower Road, close to the town centre and the N6 motorway.

The town straddles Lough Ree, one of the largest lakes on the Shannon. Clonmacnoise, the famous 6th-century monastic site, is twenty minutes south. Athlone Castle guards the river crossing and the town itself has an excellent food scene that punches well above its weight.

Athlone is the ideal midpoint stop if you are driving Dublin to Galway, and it is a genuine base for exploring the Shannon region and Ireland's hidden midlands.

Pick your travelling companion

Small

Small

Ford Fiesta or Similar
32
Compact

Compact

Opel Astra or Similar
52
Standard

Standard

Skoda Octavia or Similar
53
Small SUV

Small SUV

Kia Sportage or Similar
53
SUV

SUV

Skoda Kodiaq or Similar
55
9 Seater

9 Seater

Opel Vivaro or Similar
98
Zero excess on every classTolls includedRequest a quote
Driving from Athlone

Where the road takes you from here

Athlone is Ireland’s heart. Drive east to Dublin or west to Galway on the M6. Explore Lough Ree and the River Shannon for peaceful scenic routes.

stop here halfway

Dublin to Galway drive

Drive from Dublin to Galway in 2.5 hours or take a scenic detour to Clonmacnoise, Athlone, or Kinvara for history and landscapes.

the hidden midlands

Ireland self-drive tours

Plan your Ireland self drive tour with confidence — routes, durations, costs, and everything the rental brochures don't tell you.

Athlone as a base

14-day itinerary

A 14-day Ireland self-drive itinerary covering the full west coast, Northern Ireland's Antrim coast, and the Giant's Causeway.

Good to know

Questions cousins ask about Athlone

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Why pick up a car in Athlone?
Athlone is equidistant from Dublin and Galway, making it a natural midpoint. If you are breaking a cross-country journey, or if you want to explore the Shannon region and Ireland's midlands, Athlone is the most convenient base.
What is Clonmacnoise?
Clonmacnoise is a 6th-century monastic settlement on the banks of the Shannon, about 20 minutes south of Athlone. It has ruined churches, high crosses, and round towers. It is one of Ireland's most important early Christian sites.
Is there anything to do on Lough Ree?
Lough Ree is one of the three main Shannon lakes. You can take boat cruises from Athlone, go fishing, or walk along the shoreline. The lake has several uninhabited islands that can be visited by boat.
How is the drive from Dublin to Galway via Athlone?
The M6 motorway runs directly from Dublin through Athlone to Galway. The total drive is about 2 hours 30 minutes. Athlone is the halfway point and makes a natural lunch stop.
What should I eat in Athlone?
Athlone has a food scene that surprises most visitors. Thyme restaurant, Kin Khao Thai, and the Left Bank Bistro are all excellent. Sean's Bar, which claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland (and possibly the world), is worth a visit for the atmosphere alone.

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