Sean's Bar: A Journey Through Time
Experience a millennium of Irish hospitality at Sean's Bar, Athlone – Ireland's oldest pub, where history, music, and good times flow.
Sean's Bar in Athlone isn't just a pub; it's a living museum with a documented history stretching back to 900 AD, making it the oldest pub in Ireland. With its wattle and wicker walls, sawdust-covered floors, and traditional Irish music, stepping inside is like traveling back through the centuries.
A brief summary to Sean's Bar
- 13 Main St, Athlone, Athlone And Bigmeadow, Co. Westmeath, N37 DW76, IE
- +353906492358
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially during peak season or weekends, to secure a spot in this popular pub.
- Check out the daily historical talk to learn about the bar's fascinating past and the artifacts on display.
- Enjoy a traditional Irish music session for an authentic cultural experience.
- Sample Sean's Bar's own brand of Irish whiskey, a tribute to the region's distilling heritage.
- Weather permitting, relax in the beer garden overlooking the Ford of Luain.
Getting There
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Walking
Sean's Bar is centrally located in Athlone Town, a minute's walk from Athlone Castle and the Tourist Information Centre. From the Athlone Towncentre shopping center, it's approximately a 9-minute walk. Walking is the easiest way to reach the pub from most locations in the town center. No costs are associated with this final approach.
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Public Transport
Athlone has a local bus service. Bus Éireann routes A1 and A2 run across town, connecting the bus and railway station to the town center. Alight at a stop near the town center and walk a few minutes to Sean's Bar. A single fare on Bus Éireann within Athlone costs approximately €2.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Athlone, with ranks at the train station and on Church Street. A short taxi ride from the Athlone train station to Sean's Bar will cost approximately €8-€12.
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Parking
Several parking options are available 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. Athlone Towncentre offers covered parking.
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Athlone Brigade IRA Memorial
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Luan Gallery
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Church of Saints Peter & Paul
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Riverside tours
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Ogham Treasure
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