Storm the Castle! Athlone Castle Free Open Day

Athlone Castle’s flagship Heritage Week event returns once more, with free admission for all!

The castle courtyard will be transported through the centuries to the heart of medieval life, with a spectacular array of traditional craftspeople, hands-on demonstrations, and engaging activities for all ages.

The Society for Creative Anachronism will return with interactive displays of historical crafts including nailbinding, calligraphy, and hand-spinning, as well as thrilling demonstrations of fencing and jousting. Dave Swift of Claíomh Living History will present his impressive collection of Viking and medieval weapons and artefacts, and Laoch Living History will demonstrate a medieval barber surgeon’s fascinating—and slightly gruesome— tools of the trade.The Red Earl’s Consort will provide live music to accompany historical dances, and Sandra King of Irish Fibre Crafters will return with her popular demonstrations of spinning, dyeing, and weaving.Westcountry Willows are back with their beautifully crafted wickerwork, while Steve Ryan of Green Woodwork Ireland will demonstrate traditional woodworking using a pole lathe. Jack Pinson of Living Longbows will showcase the skills of a medieval bow-maker, and Fabian Ragnar Craft will complete this year’s line-up with a demonstration of traditional leatherworking.

Visitors are welcome to try on costumes, play games, have their faces painted, and explore the castle in true medieval fashion.

Join the team at Athlone Castle on an unforgettable journey into the Middle Ages—right in the heart of Athlone!

This event is supported by the Heritage Council under the Irish Walled Towns Network 2025 Interpretation Fund.