Future
Learning
Athlone
Studying, Living and Working in Athlone
About Athlone
Athlone town is located on the beautiful River Shannon near the southern shore of Lough Ree. It is the most populous town in the Midlands Region and here you are at the centre of Ireland, you’re in the heart of it all!
Athlone is a historical medieval Irish town which attracts many tourists and is a busy regional centre for top businesses. Considering that the town centre is only 1.5 hours from Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Kilkenny, with excellent bus and rail connections, it is also surprising how much more affordable the cost of living is here.
The friendly welcome will be the biggest attraction for our students who are looking for somewhere homely for their first experience abroad. We know you will be impressed with Athlone and not to mention the FL school facilities which are excellent.
Athlone is an ideal location for our adult academic year programme as many students are looking for an alternative to the big cities. For those seeking third level opportunities one of the top Institutes of Technology in the country is Athlone IT (soon to become Technology University Athlone).
FL Athlone Campus
Our school campus is picturesque, close to the town center, beside the river Shannon and the school boasts beautiful large classrooms and green surroundings.
Our Future learning Athlone Campus is based in the newly renovated Lister House. This stunning main building was originally part of a distillery and brewery complex and was then used as a second level school for boys from around 1960 up until 2017
We always welcome prospective students and agencies to visit the campus and we recommend booking in advance so we can dedicate enough time to show you around.
FL Adult Courses in Athlone
Life Skills
Through English
The initial stage of our course is designed to help people to make a life in Dublin through English and deal successfully with all the situations that will arise at work, at home and socially.
Levels A2 to B1
Professional
Communication
The second stage is designed for professionals who are interested in developing their spoken and written communication skills in an international and technology enhanced environment.
Levels B1 to B2
Foundation for Study
through English
The third stage is designed to equip people to make a success of studying in an English speaking country.
Levels B2 to C1Nearby Attractions
River Shanon
Being located beside the River Shannon makes Athlone a fantastic place to traverse the river, you can hire kayaks, paddle boards and pedal boats.
Athlone Castle
Athlone is Steeped in history and you can visit the Athlone Castle and immerse yourself in a medieval Experience.
Around the Town
Discover the picturesque villages and wonderful walking and cycling trails around the town.
Athlone Town and Pubs
The town also boasts the oldest pub in the world (Sean’s Bar) and has a buzzing nightlife.
Working in Athlone
Athlone is one of the main hubs for employment in the midlands. The central location means it is an excellent choice for many companies with close proximity to all major cities and just 1.5 hours to Dublin airport.
There is a wide mixture of industries and business in Athlone which include; Pharmaceuticals, Technology, Farming (dairy and agriculture), Construction, Technology Seven 4 star hotels cater for the business and tourism industry along with many cafe’s, restaurants and bars located both inside and outside of the town and not to mention the many top golf courses located within close proximity.
Living in Athlone
With a population of 21,352, according to the 2016 Census, Athlone is really a ‘big small’ town! It has branches of several State and semi-State organisations, including the Department of Education, the Revenue Commissioners, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, IDA Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland, thus ensuring a strong local economy.
The Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) is the area’s regional third level college.
The principal shopping centres, Golden Island and Athlone Town Centre, both in the town, house many of the big retailers, including Tesco, Boots, Argos, Zara, Marks and Spencer and TK Maxx.
Athlone is also home to three theatres: the Dean Crowe Theatre & Arts Centre, the Little Theatre, and Passionfruit Theatre. And, in 2012, the Luan, a multi-million euro contemporary art gallery, opened.
Sport plays a huge part in local life. Athlone Regional Sports Centre has a swimming pool, gym, and AstroTurf pitches, while Athlone Town nowadays play their home games in Lissywollen.
The Athlone IT International Arena is Ireland’s first world class indoor athletics arena, boasting a floor space of nearly 10,000 square metres.
Lough Ree also offers wonderful coarse fishing and is hugely popular with fly fishermen. Whether you enjoy a long easy cruise or a white-knuckle powerboat ride, or if kayaking among the islands is your thing, Athlone is your perfect jumping-off point as you voyage south on the Shannon towards Limerick and the sea, or north through the lakelands to Lough Allen.
There’s plenty of fine restaurants and watering holes along the way, such as Wineport Lodge, right on Lough Ree, in Glasson, and the former setting for RTE’s popular The Restaurant series.
