Checkmate! An Epic Live Chess Battle Between the Connaught and Leinster Sides of Athlone

Checkmate! An Epic Live Chess Battle Between the Connaught and Leinster Sides of Athlone.

Experience the ancient game of chess brought to life for a modern audience in the newly regenerated public space between Athlone Castle and the River Shannon.

This symbolic setting, linking landscape, history and community, provides the ideal backdrop to reimagine Athlone's friendly Connaught–Leinster rivalry. Children from Athlone and the surrounding areas will don medieval-inspired costumes and become human "pieces" on a life-size chessboard. Youth players from local chess clubs will lead the action in this epic live chess battle between the Connaught and Leinster sides of Athlone. Jonathan O'Connor, co-founder of Chess Bud Ireland will be in attendance, offering guidance throughout this dramatic contest of strategy and skill.

Once checkmate is declared, spectators will be invited to step forward and play their own games, either on the life-size chessboard or at standard chess stations in the area.

This Heritage Week event at Athlone Castle, County Westmeath, is supported by the Heritage Council, under the Irish Walled Towns Network 2026 Interpretation Fund.

All welcome.
Booking in advance is required only for children who wish to take part as the live chess pieces.