An image showing where the new pool is to go - on the right side of the image, close to the weir.

New outdoor pool on cards for Westmeath swimmers

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An image showing where the new pool is to go - on the right side of the image, close to the weir.

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The location - at The Strand, close to the road to the old friary.

Published: Thu 28 May 2026, 5:15 PM

Fans of outdoor swimming may in the future have another Westmeath location to choose from – a new pool on the River Shannon in Athlone.

Westmeath County Council have announced that a preferred location has been selected for the proposed Outdoor Swimming Pool and Riverside Boardwalk Project in Athlone.

According to the council, the project, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund, aims to deliver a high-quality riverside amenity.

It would include a boardwalk connecting the Athlone Dublin Greenway to Burgess Park and beyond, along with a new urban outdoor swimming facility in the River Shannon, enhancing recreation, tourism, and public life in the town.

The preferred location is at Friary Strand, on the east side of Athlone, and the council have explained that was because following a detailed appraisal process, this site achieved the highest overall performance across a range of criteria, including accessibility, safety, environmental considerations, and integration with Athlone’s public realm and regeneration objectives.

The council went on to state that the decision was made following extensive technical assessment and a robust public consultation process, which included stakeholder engagement, an online survey with more than 220 respondents, and feedback on issues such as safety, accessibility, and environmental impact.