Day 1: Family Fun in Athlone
After checking into Shamrock Lodge Hotel and settling into your spacious family accommodation, it’s time to start exploring.
Planet Entertainment Centre (4-minute drive or 15-minute walk)
Begin your family break in Athlone with a visit to Planet Entertainment Centre Athlone, located just a short walk or a quick drive from the hotel. A favourite with visitors and locals alike, Planet Entertainment offers hours of indoor fun for all ages, making it the perfect activity regardless of the Irish weather. Families can enjoy:
· ten-pin bowling,
· Laser Quest,
· arcade games,
· pool tables and
· a dedicated soft play area for younger children.
It’s a fantastic way to kick off your family getaway in Athlone and create memories together from the very first day.
From there, families have two wonderful options to continue their adventure.
Viking Tours on the River Shannon (5-minute drive or 12-minute walk)
For those who love history and exploring the waterways, hop aboard a cruise with Viking Tours Ireland, conveniently located just a few minutes from the hotel. These guided boat tours with Viking Mike along the River Shannon offer families the chance to experience Athlone from a completely different perspective. Along the journey, visitors can enjoy stunning riverside scenery while learning fascinating stories and local history from knowledgeable guides. Younger guests especially love being out on the water and may even get the opportunity to help steer the boat! It’s a relaxing and memorable way to discover why Athlone is known as the heart of Ireland.
Glendeer Pet Farm (12-minute drive)
Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to Glendeer Pet Farm, located just a short drive from the hotel. This award-winning family attraction offers a fun-filled day where children can feed, pet and even hold many of the friendly animals, including rabbits, goats, alpacas, donkeys and guinea pigs. Beyond the animals, families can explore fairy trails, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, obstacle courses and nature walks. With both indoor and outdoor attractions, Glendeer is an ideal family day out in Athlone, whatever the weather.
After an exciting first day exploring Athlone, return to Shamrock Lodge Hotel for a delicious family dinner in The Lodge Bistro. Enjoy freshly prepared dishes made with locally sourced ingredients before relaxing in the comfort of your room and preparing for another day of adventure!
Day 2: Splash, Stroll and Unwind
No summer family break in Athlone is complete without a visit to Baysports, Ireland’s largest inflatable water park, located at Hodson Bay, just a short drive from Shamrock Lodge Hotel.
Baysports (13-minute drive)
Perfect for adventurous families, Baysports offers:
· giant inflatable slides,
· climbing challenges and obstacle courses on the water,
· kayaking,
· stand-up paddleboarding and
· pedal boats.
It’s guaranteed fun for energetic children, teenagers and adults alike making it one of the top family attractions in Athlone during the summer months. Advance booking is recommended during peak season and this can be done through our family breaks page HERE.
Historic Athlone
After a morning packed with excitement, slow the pace and take a leisurely stroll through historic Athlone town. Wander along the beautiful River Shannon, browse local shops, stop for an ice cream and soak up the vibrant atmosphere that makes Athlone such a popular destination for family holidays in Ireland. Families can also enjoy the riverside walkways and discover hidden corners of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands at their own pace.
Return to Shamrock Lodge Hotel in the evening, where parents can unwind and children can relax after a busy day. Enjoy a leisurely family dinner in The Lodge Bistro before taking a stroll through our peaceful gardens and settling in for a restful night’s sleep.
