Baile Átha Luain

Baile Átha Luain—the town of Luan's ford—derives its name from a strategic ford crossing the River Shannon, named for Luan, an innkeeper who guided travellers safely across the treacherous waters around 900 AD. The ford has been in continuous use since the Bronze Age, making Athlone one of Ireland's oldest crossing points. Athlone's medieval importance grew dramatically in the 11th and 12th ce...