Free event and suitable for all ages
Join Samir Mahmood and curator Aoife Banks at Luan Gallery for a free, three-hour deep dive into States, Stations. This intimate conversation offers rare insight into materials, perception, and the making of contemporary work—book ahead for limited seating.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical fitness required; suitable for all ages and mobility levels with confirmed accessibility.
Wildlife
History
This event is supported by the Arts Council, connecting local programming to Ireland’s national arts initiatives.
Conservation
Please respect gallery rules: do not touch artworks, switch phones to silent, and use designated photography policies to protect works.
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
Free event and suitable for all ages
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre preserves and interprets the history of Athlone and the River Shannon from a fortified medieval site in Athlone, County Westmeath. The centre offers a combination of guided tours, interactive exhibitions, and immersive displays designed to engage families, history enthusiasts, and school groups.
Visitors can explore the castle battlements, view the 360º cinematic experience, and learn about local battles, settlement, and social history through hands-on exhibits. Guided programming includes seasonal and themed experiences such as the Heritage Week 2025 Guided Tour Of Athlone Castle, which traces the site's development from its earliest days to the present, and special workshops tied to local galleries and community events.
The centre supports creative community initiatives by promoting related workshops like the Up in Arms! pumpkin carving workshop and the Pride and Protest banner-making workshop held at Luan Gallery. Admission to Athlone Castle provides access to the exhibitions, interactive games, and panoramic views from the battlements. Practical visitor information including opening hours, ticketing details, accessibility notes, and guidance for groups is available from the centre to help plan visits and school trips throughout the year.
Location
Athlone, Co. Westmeath
On the River Shannon in central Ireland
Tours Offered
4 experiences
Guided tours, admission, workshops
Seasonal Events
Timed programs
Workshops and Heritage Week activities
Visitor Appeal
Interactive exhibits
360º cinematic and battlements views
Book guided tours, purchase castle admission, or reserve a spot in seasonal workshops — experience medieval Athlone and community-led cultural programs.
Book in advance
This event is free but limited to about 40 spaces—reserve your spot via the booking link to avoid disappointment.
Arrive early for seating
Doors typically allow seating before the conversation begins; arrive 10–15 minutes early to choose your view of the works.
Accessibility and mobility
The venue is wheelchair accessible; contact the gallery ahead if you need specific assistance or seating arrangements.
Bring a notebook or sketchbook
Material demonstrations and curatorial insights are useful to record—bring something to sketch or jot notes.
Notebook or sketchbook
Capture observations, diagrams and questions during the conversation.
Comfortable shoes
You may be standing or moving between works; comfortable footwear helps.
Light layer or jacket
Gallery interiors can be cool in spring and autumn—bring a layer you can remove.
spring
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated between outdoor activities and the talk; refill before entering the gallery.
summer