Minister Kevin “Boxer” Moran and Deputy Mayor Cllr. Aengus O’ Rourke welcome commencement of works at Athlone Castle

The Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with Westmeath County Council have welcomed the start of essential roof repair works to the fortified tower (keep) at Athlone Castle, Co. Westmeath.

The works include upgrading and replacing the roof area, including the fibreglass gutters. OPW carpenters are working with an external contractor to remove and replace damaged fittings and gutter linings.

Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran said: “This project is an important step in preserving one of Athlone’s most significant heritage landmarks. The OPW is delighted to work in collaboration with Westmeath County Council to protect the castle’s historic fabric and support the next phase of the wider visitor experience development. These necessary works highlight the enduring care needed to preserve this historic landmark for future generations to enjoy”.

Once the roof repairs are complete, Westmeath County Council will begin significant enhancement works at Athlone Castle visitor centre. The project was awarded €3.2 million through Fáilte Ireland’s ‘Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme’ co-funded by the EU and the Government of Ireland under the EU Just Transition Fund. ‘

Deputy Mayor of the Municipal District of Athlone-Moate, Cllr. Aengus O’Rourke said: "I am delighted to see the commencement of these important works at The Keep. These works are hugely important for the conservation of the Keep and for the development of Athlone Castle as a significant tourist attraction in the Midlands Region. We welcome the collaboration with the OPW on this project to ensure the protection and enhancement of Athlone Castle and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to the Castle when the enhancement works are complete’’.

The Castle is currently closed to visitors. The roof works began on 15 May 2026 and are expected to take approximately eight weeks, subject to weather and access.

OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request. Please contact pressoffice@opw.ie for more information and to arrange an interview.

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NOTES:

Athlone Castle was built as a Royal Castle in 1210 to control an important fording point over the River Shannon.

The Castle, which has been in State ownership since June 1969 is leased to Westmeath County Council, which manages the site’s day to day operations and maintenance of the site. The OPW is responsible for the maintenance of the curtain walls and the Keep.