Quay in Athlone

No direct references are known to quays in medieval Athlone but their presence in the late sixteenth century can be deduced from the placing of galleys here, under the command of a water bailiff, in order to patrol the Shannon (Murtagh 1978, 52-4). A galley was placed on Lough Ree in 1305 but it is not clear whether it was based in Athlone or at Rindown Castle (RO046-004002-), Co. Roscommon, where the remains of a medieval quay (RO046-004031-) can still be seen (Cal. justic. Rolls, Ire. Edw. I, 84). The office of water bailiff was established in 1571 and on the appointment of Sir Edward Waterhouse in 1571 it was specifically stated that his headquarters were to be in Athlone (Murtagh 1978, 52-3). Initially there were to be two galleys but in 1588 this was increased to four. References to other vessels at Athlone until 1615 are listed by Murtagh (1978, 54). The presence of these boats presumably demanded the construction of suitable quays, if none already existed. The locations of these quays is uncertain but a request made in 1591 by Sir Richard Bingham for the return of half the ‘bawn’ of Athlone where Waterhouse had kept his boats; this may indicate that the quays were in the vicinity of the castle (WM029-042002-) perhaps on the site of the present quay (Murtagh 1980, 93). In this year the state papers recorded that 'understanding of the decease of Sir Edw. Waterhouse; they propose that the salary of 430l. per annum, which he received for maintaining the boats at Athlone forthwith cease, and they will provide a man to maintain them in all ordinary times at 40l. per annum'(Cal. S. P. Ire., 438). A map of Athlone by Jean Goubet (NLI MS 2742) dating from c. 1691 shows a boat jetty or pier on the River Shannon jutting out from the SE bastion of the town defences (Murtagh 1994, Map 5). A second smaller quay or harbour may have been on the riverside immediately to the S of the castle (WM02-042002-) where a 'castle slip' is depicted on Thomas Sherrard's map of 1784 (RCB Ms. 151; Murtagh 1994, map 7(a)). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett and Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 29 November 2013