Riverside tours
Riverside Tours, Athlone: Discover the Shannon's Charm
Sean's Bar: A Living Piece of Irish History
Experience over a millennium of Irish hospitality at Sean's Bar, the heart of Athlone and Ireland's oldest pub.
Sean's Bar in Athlone isn't just a pub; it's a journey back to 900 AD, holding the title of Ireland's oldest pub and potentially the world's. With its ancient walls, open fireplace, and floors covered in sawdust, it offers a unique and authentic Irish experience.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Sean's Bar
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
13 Main St, Athlone, Athlone And Bigmeadow, Co. Westmeath, N37 DW76, IE
Monday
10:30 am-12:30 am
Tuesday
10:30 am-12:30 am
Wednesday
10:30 am-11:30 pm
Thursday
10:30 am-12:30 am
Friday
10:30 am-12:30 am
Saturday
10:30 am-12:30 am
Sunday
12:30 pm-11:30 pm
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Getting There
Walking
Sean's Bar is located in the heart of Athlone, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From Athlone Towncentre, it's a short 9-minute walk. If you're near the Tourist Information Centre, you're just a minute away. As you stroll through the town, enjoy the scenic views of the River Shannon and the historic streets.
Public Transport
If arriving by train to Athlone (Station), you can take a direct bus to Castle Street. Bus Éireann operates this route, departing hourly and arriving at Castle Street, a very short walk to Sean's Bar. The bus journey takes approximately 5 minutes and costs between €3-€5. Alternatively, from the train station, it is a 12 minute walk.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Athlone. From Athlone (Station), a taxi ride to Sean's Bar takes only a few minutes and typically costs between €5-€8. Several local taxi services operate in the area. Taxi and ride-sharing services like Bolt and Uber may also be available.
Driving
If driving, there are several parking options near Sean's Bar, including The Castle (Quay Side), The Strand (Car Parks A and B), Pearse Court, O'Connell Street, Connaught Street, and Athlone Towncentre. Parking rates vary. Be aware that the area is hilly, so parallel parking may be required.
Local tips
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Visit during live music nights for an unforgettable and authentic Irish experience.
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Try Sean's Bar's own whiskey, distilled with a history tracing back to the region's early distilling traditions.
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Take a historical tour to delve deeper into the pub's rich history and learn about its origins dating back to 900 AD.
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Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a good spot in this popular and historic pub.
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Explore nearby attractions like Athlone Castle and the Luan Gallery, all within walking distance.
Discover more about Sean's Bar
Step into Sean's Bar, and you're not just entering a pub; you're stepping into a living museum of Irish history. Officially recognized as Ireland's oldest pub by the Guinness Book of Records, Sean's Bar boasts a history dating back to 900 AD. It may also be the oldest pub in the world. Founded as an inn by Luain Mac Luighdeach, it served travelers crossing the Shannon River. The settlement that grew around this crossing point eventually became the town of Athlone.
Inside, discover walls made of wattle and wicker dating back to the ninth century, uncovered during renovations. Admire the old coins minted by landlords for barter, now displayed in the National Museum. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with an open turf fireplace, cozy nooks, and walls adorned with memorabilia, maps, and nautical charts.
Today, Sean's Bar continues to be a vibrant hub, offering live music seven nights a week and a wide selection of drinks, including its own whiskey, tracing back to the origins of distilling in the region. Enjoy the 'Good Ol' Irish Craic' and storytelling that's as much a part of the experience as the drinks themselves. Daily historical tours are available, offering a deeper dive into the pub's fascinating past.
A brief summary to Sean's Bar
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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