Suitable for ages 13 - 17
A free, hands-on drawing masterclass for teens that begins with a guided tour at Luan Gallery and moves to Abbey Road Artist Studios for an ink, charcoal, and pastel workshop led by Rob Quinn. Small group, materials included—booking essential.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Light — suitable for teens; no specific fitness required beyond ability to stand and move between venues.
Wildlife
History
Luan Gallery plays a central role in Athlone’s contemporary art provision and often hosts national and regional programming; this session appears in the Cruinniú na nÓg youth arts calendar.
Conservation
Participants are encouraged to reduce waste by using supplied materials thoughtfully and to respect studio protocols for reuse and recycling of paper and packaging.
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
Suitable for ages 13 - 17
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.
Arrive Early to Check In
Plan to arrive at Luan Gallery by 2:20pm for a prompt check-in so the tour can begin on time.
Accessible Venue
Both Luan Gallery and Abbey Road Artist Studios are stroller- and wheelchair-accessible—contact organizers if you need additional assistance.
Materials Are Provided
All ink, charcoal, pastel and paper are supplied, but bringing a personal sketchbook is useful for continued practice.
Small Group Advantage
Group size is limited to keep instruction focused—book early to secure a spot and ensure one-on-one time with the tutor.
Personal Sketchbook
Handy for carrying ideas home and continuing drawing beyond the supplied materials.
Comfortable Shoes
You’ll move between gallery and studio and stand at benches during demonstrations.
Layered Jacket
A light jacket is useful for waiting outside or walking between venues on cooler days.
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Small Bag for Finished Work
Bring a folder or bag to protect finished or in-progress drawings on the trip home.