Athlone, Ireland, (Irish: Baile Átha Luain) lies on the River Shannon near the southern extremity of Lough Ree, some 130 km (80 miles) west of Dublin. The east side of Athlone forms part of County Westmeath while the west side lies in County Roscommon.

Wits say that Athlone is the dead centre of Ireland, with dead being the operative word. The State Examinations Commission as well as Athlone Institute of Technology are both located on the east side of town. Recent developments including the Golden Island shopping centre have made a big improvement to the range of activites available to residents. Athlone's major employers are Ericsson and Elán.

Nearby are Moate on the Dublin road, Ballinasloe on the Galway road, and Tang on the road to Ballymahon, County Longford.

The Siege of Athlone took place in the town. Tenor John McCormack was born in Athlone.