Essential conservation works have been completed on Athlone Town Wall.

Funded by The Heritage Council through the Irish Walled Towns Network, only a few sections of the Town Wall in Athlone are still standing today.

"Originally constructed in the mid-13th century, Athlone Town Wall underwent several stages of repair, rebuilding and extension over the centuries. The walls of our town have been witness to battles, sieges and settlement over the centuries and are an important part of the story of the town," said Westmeath County Council Heritage Officer Melanie McQuade.

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Westmeath County Council, with funding from the Heritage Council through the Irish Walled Towns Network, carried out conservation works in September at Court Devenish and Railway View. The work safeguarded one of the earliest surviving stretches of the town wall which includes a circular tower, possibly dating from the 16th century.

As the town wall is a Recorded Monument, Westmeath County Council informed the National Monuments Service (part of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) about the works and methodology.

Works commenced on 7 September when Culbert and Cons Tree Care carefully felled the tree in sections. Revamp Conservation specialist contractors and stonemasons carried out the conservation works. Kevin Clancy Conservation Engineer from PUNCH Consulting Engineers, oversaw the works and ensured that everything was done to safeguard the stability of the Town Wall.