Athlone Castle, also known as Adamson Castle, was originally built as a wooden fortress in 1129AD by King Turlough O'Connor. He recognized the strategic importance of the location. Athlone is very close to Clonmacnoise Monastery, which was situated on the banks of the Shannon along the epicenter of Ireland, a place where a trading post had been established to avail of the north/south river trading route and the east/west land trading route. Having a garrison in Athlone meant

that troops could be dispatched at a moments notice for travel by land or river.

In 1210 King John of England ordered the building of a stone castle and bridge, the construction of which was overseen by John de Gray, Bishop of Norwich.

Armory

This castle is by far the most unsual in Ireland, with a styling low to the landscape. At the center of this unusual fortification is an equally unusual round building that housed the armory. A wide semi-circular stairs goes up to the right of the armory that will take visitors to the upper level of the fort. Here, several large hearths are still visable in the inner bawn wall where fires were banked not only for warmth on cold nights but also to heat all manner of things from pots of boiling oil to weapons to be hurled at the enemy.

Along the lower battlement that overlooks the river is an artists image of the skyline across the river that details several other military buildings that were built in the town.