Living in Athlone & County Westmeath, Ireland: Rent, Jobs, Transport & Neighbourhoods for Newcomers

Athlone sits at the geographic heart of Ireland, on the River Shannon, straddling Westmeath and Roscommon. With a population of roughly 22,000 to 25,000 in the town and a larger surrounding area, it is the largest town in the Midlands. County Westmeath also includes Mullingar, the county town, and the lakes of the Midlands, giving the area a distinctive character.

Cost of rent in Athlone and Westmeath

Rents are lower than the main cities, which draws commuters and remote workers. As approximate 2025 ranges, a room in a shared house may cost roughly 450 to 650 euro a month, a one-bedroom apartment around 900 to 1,250 euro, and a two-bedroom home around 1,150 to 1,600 euro. Supply is limited in the town itself. Mullingar is broadly similar. See our renting in Ireland guide for tenancy basics.

Jobs and main employers

Athlone has a notable base in medical devices and pharmaceuticals, including large multinational plants, as well as ICT, logistics and retail. Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, with a campus in Athlone, is a major employer and attracts research and students. The public sector, schools and healthcare provide steady jobs. Mullingar has agri-food, logistics and retail employers. Remote working has increased interest in the area. You will need a PPS number to start work.

Commuting and transport

Athlone is well placed for road and rail. It is on the Dublin to Galway railway line, with a train journey to Dublin Heuston of roughly 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, and Mullingar has services to Dublin Connolly on the Sligo line. The M6 motorway runs near Athlone, linking Dublin and Galway, and the N4 serves Mullingar and Sligo. Bus services connect Athlone to Dublin, Galway and Limerick. Within the area, a car is usually necessary for the surrounding countryside.

Best neighbourhoods and towns

Athlone

The town centre on both sides of the river has apartments and period properties, close to the castle and shops. Residential areas such as Garrycastle, Monksland and Retreat Road suit families. Monksland, on the Roscommon side, has shops and schools.

Elsewhere in Westmeath

Mullingar has a lively centre and good rail links. Moate, Kilbeggan and Castlepollard offer more rural settings, and lakeside villages near Lough Ree and Lough Owel appeal to nature lovers.

Schools and healthcare

Athlone and Mullingar have a range of primary and secondary schools, including Educate Together options. The Technological University of the Shannon provides local higher education. Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar is the main HSE acute hospital for the region, while Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe, County Galway, is also used by some in the area. Smaller services exist in Athlone, but you may need to travel for specialist care. As elsewhere, register with a GP early.

Lifestyle

Life here is centred on the Shannon and the lakes, with boating, fishing, walking and cycling popular. Athlone Castle and the riverside add heritage appeal, and Glasson and Lough Ree are favourite spots. The pace is relaxed, and the central location makes road trips to both coasts straightforward.

Day-to-day costs and settling in

Day-to-day living in Athlone and Westmeath is relatively affordable. Rent is the main saving compared with the cities, and commutes within the town are short. Groceries and utilities are similar to national averages, and there is a good choice of supermarkets and retail outlets. If you commute to Dublin by train, check season ticket options and parking at the station.

The Midlands have a growing international community, attracted by multinational employers and the university campus. Community groups, sports clubs and watersports clubs on the Shannon make it easy to meet people. For remote workers, broadband quality can vary across rural areas, so confirm the available speed for a specific address. Because the region is central, weekends away to Galway, Dublin or the west coast are easy, and many residents enjoy the freedom to explore the whole country from one base.

Who Athlone and Westmeath suit

This area suits remote workers, medtech and pharma employees, families wanting more space and anyone who values a central location. It may be less suitable for those who want big-city nightlife and culture on the doorstep or a very large job market.

Practical tips

• Decide whether you want the Westmeath or Roscommon side of Athlone, as services and councils differ.
• Check train timetables if you plan to commute to Dublin.
• Consider Mullingar for a direct Dublin Connolly service.
• Look at broadband speeds in rural homes before you commit.
• Ask about school places early in popular areas.

If you are considering Athlone or Westmeath, compare the total cost of living with a city, including any commuting costs. Visit in winter as well as summer, and check broadband at the exact address. The rent ranges above are approximate. It also helps to speak to people already living there, through local Facebook groups, community centres or your future employer, because first-hand advice about school places, GP availability, commuting and the real cost of heating is often more useful than any general guide.

Frequently Asked Questions