Athlone, Ireland ๐ฎ๐ช
#2057
53.422843, -7.942589
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
๐๏ธ City | Athlone is a vibrant town located in County Westmeath, Ireland, known for its historic sites and picturesque riverside. |
๐ฅ Population | Approximately 21,000 |
๐ป Internet Speed | Average download speed of 80 Mbps |
๐ธ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR โ 1.07 USD; major banks include AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Ulster Bank |
๐ฐ Tap Water | Drinkable and meets safety requirements |
๐ Power | 230V, 50Hz, ๐ Type G sockets |
๐ถ SIM Card | Providers include Vodafone, Three, and Eir, with prepaid plans available |
๐ณ Banking for Expats | Revolut and N26 are popular among expats, along with traditional banks |
๐ Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb to local estate agents for long-term rentals |
๐ณ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in stores and restaurants |
๐ Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local agencies offer a variety of short-term rental options |
๐๏ธ Budget Accommodation | Hostel rooms starting from โฌ25 per night at Athlone Town Hostel |
Working and Networking
๐ข Best Coworking Space | The Hive Athlone - a popular coworking space with hot desks and meeting rooms |
โ Best Cafe for Work | Bean on the Green - known for coffee and a relaxed atmosphere |
๐ผ Networking Events | Local meetups hosted on platforms like Meetup.com or Eventbrite |
๐ฅ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats in Athlone facilitate social gatherings |
Transportation
๐ Best Taxi/Ride App | BleeperBike and Taxi Apps like MyTaxi and Hailo available |
๐ฒ Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available throughout the town |
๐๏ธ Best Beach Nearby | Lanesborough Beach, about 20 minutes by car |
โ๏ธ Top Regional Airline | Aer Lingus is available from nearby airports |
โ๏ธ Top International Airline | Ryanair and Aer Lingus operate from Galway and Dublin airports |
๐ฃ๏ธ Highway Access | N6 motorway connects Athlone to major cities |
๐ Main Train/Transit Hub | Athlone Train Station serves regional and national services |
๐ Public Transport Passes | Local bus services operate with single and return tickets available |
โ๏ธ Regional Travel | Trains to Dublin take about 1.5 hours; bus services to nearby towns are frequent |
Health and Wellness
๐ฅ Best Hospital | Athlone Regional Hospital - offers comprehensive healthcare services |
๐ง Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga to the People - a local favorite for yoga classes |
๐๏ธ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Athlone Leisure World - features a swimming pool, gym, and classes |
๐งบ Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; laundry services can also be found at many hotels |
Food and Drink
๐ฑ Best Food Delivery App | Just Eat and Deliveroo are commonly used for food delivery |
๐ฝ๏ธ Best Local Dish to Try | Irish stew - a hearty traditional meal |
๐ฑ Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Salt Bistro offers vegan-friendly dishes and local cuisine |
๐ซ Best Dessert Spots | Hands-On Chocolate - known for gourmet chocolates and desserts |
๐ Affordable Shopping Spots | Athlone Market is a great place for fresh produce and local goods |
๐ E-commerce/Online Store | Local businesses may have e-commerce options; large retailers like Tesco have online shopping |
๐ Grocery Delivery | SuperValu and Tesco offer grocery delivery services |
๐ธ Bar/Nightlife Area | Church Street and the River Shannon area are buzzing at night |
๐ป Local Brewery | Dead Centre Brewing, known for craft beers and brewery tours |
๐ท Wine Bars | Wine Buff is a cozy spot for wine lovers |
๐ฒ Street Food Stalls | Various food trucks often set up around the market and festivals |
๐ Popular International Cuisine | A variety of cuisines available, including Italian at Da Vinci's |
Culture and Attractions
๐๏ธ Must-See Landmarks | Athlone Castle - a historic castle with a visitor center |
๐๏ธ Museums & Art Venues | Luan Gallery - showcases contemporary art |
๐ฐ Historical Sites | Saint Peters and Pauls Church - an iconic historical site |
๐ Religious Sites | Athlone's Franciscan Friary - a serene spiritual site |
๐ Annual Events | Athlone River Festival is an annual celebration in the summer |
๐จ Cultural Districts | The town center features a blend of historical sites and modern attractions |
๐ญ Theater Venues | The Dean Crowe Theatre hosts plays, music, and community events |
๐๏ธ Local Markets | Athlone Farmers Market operates every Saturday with local produce and crafts |
๐ผ Music Scene | Various pubs host live music sessions, especially traditional Irish music |
๐จ Street Art | Local artists contribute to vibrant murals around town |
๐งโ๐ณ Cooking Classes | Various local chefs offer classes in traditional Irish cooking |
๐ฉโ๐จ Art Galleries | Local artists are showcased at galleries in and around Athlone |
๐ฐ๏ธ Historic Buildings | The old jail and several Victorian buildings can be explored |
๐ด Local Heritage | Athlone's rich heritage is celebrated through local festivals and events |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
๐ Nearby Nature Escapes | Shannon River trails for walking and cycling |
๐๏ธ National Parks Nearby | Ballycroy National Park - a short drive away for hiking |
๐ฒ Cycling/Walking Paths | The River Shannon pathway offers scenic walking and cycling routes |
๐ Scenic Viewpoints | The banks of the Shannon provide beautiful views, especially at sunset |
๐ฆ Birdwatching Locations | Lough Ree is a great spot for birdwatching enthusiasts |
๐ฅ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the river are popular for bonfires |
Other Services and Amenities
๐ฆ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and An Post offer reliable delivery services |
๐ ๏ธ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Techfix offer electronics repair services |
๐ Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host table tennis events |
๐งโ๐ซ Language Classes | Athlone Institute of Technology offers language courses for residents |
๐ Libraries & Study Spots | Athlone Library is a quiet place for reading and studying |
๐๏ธ Community Centers | Athlone Community Centre hosts various activities and events |
๐น๏ธ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes sometimes have gaming events in a friendly setting |
๐ฐ Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no major casinos in Athlone, but local pubs offer gaming machines |
Business
๐ข Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. โฌ2,800 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = โฌ112,000) |
๐ข Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. โฌ2,200 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = โฌ88,000) |
๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. โฌ2,500 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = โฌ150,000) |
๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. โฌ2,000 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = โฌ120,000) |
๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. โฌ2,400 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = โฌ192,000) |
๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. โฌ1,800 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = โฌ144,000) |
๐ผ Corporate Tax | 12.5% |
๐ต Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% |
๐ฆ Tax System | Progressive tax system on global income for residents |
๐ Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% for income over โฌ36,800 |
๐งพ VAT | 23%, standard VAT rate applies |
๐ Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, apply in corporate tax regulations |
๐ Property Tax | Based on market value and local rates |
๐ Property Transaction Tax | 1% for residential properties |