Athenry

The town has a large number of medieval artefacts recalling its antiquarian past. Of particular interest is the impressive two storey 13th century castle which dominates the town’s skyline. Surrounded by a curtain wall or bawn it was restored by the Office of Public Works in 1990. The castle boasts several unique architectural features most notably the incorporation of a ledge at the first floor entrance and the ecclesiastical styled decoration which adorn the windows. Quite apart from its use as a tourist amenity the castle has several roles in the town’s life as an outdoor concert venue, as well as a spectacular backdrop to the town’s renowned medieval festival held every August.

Any visit to Athenry must include the newly-opened Heritage Centre located in the former Church of Ireland chapel which is itself set amongst the ruins of an older 14th century Collegiate church. Most importantly the centre provides the historical context for the town’s development, chronicling its evolution from the granting of the town charter in 1235 through to the 20th century. This narrative is graphically retold through several media including visual and audio-visual displays as well as a variety of replica models illustrating this development. Indeed the most remarkable of the centre’s exhibits is the reconstruction of a typical market scene held in the shadow of the town’s Market Cross. However, the most important of these exhibits are undoubtedly the town’s 13th century gavel-like mace and 14th century seal which were specially returned to the town after an absence of 80 years to mark the occasion of the centre’s opening.

Athenry’s town walls rank amongst the best in the British Isles. Dating from 1310 the walls originally enclosed an area of some 28 hectares (making Athenry larger than Dublin, Waterford and Dundalk). Approximately two-thirds of the original walls remain. As a result the town may be viewed from several vantage points evoking an impression of how the town would have appeared snugly ensconced behind its defending walls.

Another site of interest is the town’s 15th century Market Cross. This Tabernacle or Lantern cross is doubly unique being the only one of its type in Ireland as well as being the only cross found in its original position. It served two functions as a focus point within the town itself as well as marking the place where bargains struck at the fairgreen were sealed.

Other sites of note in the area include the ruins of the 13th century Dominican Priory where the final resting place of the town founder, Meyler de Bermingham, is believed to be located. Since its foundation the Priory’s history may be characterised as a litany of destruction, restoration and enlargement indeed it has also fulfilled a variety of functions ranging from a university for the Dominican Order to a barracks for English soldiers. The Priory also boasts several occupational tombstones as well as that of Lady Mathilda Bermingham whose magnificent tomb is decorated in the stucco style.

Today the strategic importance of the town’s location remains - just 10 minutes from Galway airport and a short drive from Galway City whilst Knock and Shannon international airports are just 75 minutes away. In addition its location on the main Dublin-Galway railway line facilitates easy access to the east coast. As a result, a stay in Athenry affords the tourist the ideal base to explore the splendour of Connemara and the Burren or to visit the neighbouring counties of Mayo and Roscommon. Other attractions and activities include access to several championship golf courses, top quality angling/fishing facilities, the world famous Galway Races, the international oyster festivals at Clarinbridge and Galway, and the Arts Festival.

Take a look at Athenry.net for a more detailed tour.   

For further information re Athenry contact Brian Walsh, Athenry Arts & Heritage Centre, St. Mary’s, The Square, Athenry, Co. Galway. Tel/Fax: +353 91 844661, 10a.m. - 6p.m. 7 days a week.