Suitable for ages 6 - 18
Bring a young artist to Luan Gallery’s free guided sketching tour of Divergent Lines in Athlone—materials are included and booking is required. This 45-minute, hands-on session turns contemporary works into drawing prompts for ages 6–18.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
45 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for children comfortable walking short indoor routes and standing briefly
Wildlife
History
This event is supported by Creative Ireland and Westmeath County Council, reflecting local investment in arts access and youth engagement.
Conservation
The program supplies materials with an emphasis on low-waste options; attendees are encouraged to recycle and treat gallery space respectfully to minimize impact.
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
Suitable for ages 6 - 18
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 early
This free workshop has limited spaces (max 12); reserve ahead to guarantee a spot.
Arrive slightly early
Check in at Luan Gallery by 1:20pm so children can settle before the 45-minute tour starts.
Dress for drawing
Wear comfortable clothes that can handle pencil smudges and sit for short sketching exercises.
Respect the artwork
Guides will explain safe distances and behavior in the gallery—teach kids gentle viewing habits beforehand.
Sketchbook
A personal sketchbook lets kids continue drawing after the session and keep their studies together.
Graphite pencils or erasable colored pencils
Pencils are versatile for quick studies; the workshop supplies materials but familiar pencils help confidence.
Comfortable clothing
Clothes that allow sitting, bending, and quick movements make sketching easier for young artists.
Reusable water bottle
Hydration between activities keeps energy up; bring one for after the session.