Car & Van Hire - Athlone

Whether you're arriving in the Irish Midlands for the first time or heading further afield, having your own wheels makes a real difference. Enterprise offers car hire and van hire in Athlone, so you can get moving straight away.

Athlone sits near the geographical centre of Ireland, straddling the River Shannon on the border of County Westmeath and County Roscommon. It's a busy, well-connected market town with a lively left bank quarter, a long history tied to the river crossing, and a character that's genuinely its own. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul, with its twin towers and Harry Clarke stained glass windows, is one of the more striking landmarks on the west bank. Sean's Bar, long considered the oldest pub in Ireland, sits nearby along the same stretch of ancient streets. Beyond the town centre, the landscape opens into lakes, bogs and quiet countryside in every direction.

Car hire in Athlone gives you flexibility that public transport simply can't match in this part of Ireland. The Midlands road network is good, but many of the best places to visit, particularly the lakes, heritage sites and walking trails, sit well outside any bus route. With a hire car from Enterprise, you can make straightforward day trips to Galway, Roscommon or Mullingar, or simply take the time to follow quieter roads at your own rhythm. If you're travelling with a group or family, a 7-seater people carrier or SUV can make the whole trip more comfortable.

Van hire in Athlone suits a different kind of journey. If you're moving equipment, supplies or stock across the Midlands, a small van or large van from Enterprise gets the job done without relying on costly couriers or multiple trips. Groups heading out for a shared activity or event may also find a minivan a practical option. Athlone's central location means it's a natural base for reaching destinations across Connacht, Leinster and beyond.

Nearby attractions

Clonmacnoise is one of Ireland's most significant early Christian sites, founded in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. The monastic ruins include round towers, high crosses and a small museum on site. It's a calm, atmospheric place to spend a morning, and car hire makes it an easy half-day trip.

Belvedere House, Gardens and Park sits on the shores of Lough Ennell in County Westmeath. The 18th-century estate is set around an infamously scandalous family history, most visibly in the form of the Jealous Wall, Ireland's largest folly.

Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in County Roscommon is further north but worth the drive, particularly for families. There are woodland trails, an observation tower, underground tunnels and seasonal activities on and around the lake.