The last time I visited Athlone, he was the quite unexpected two wheels, Cycling from my home in Drogheda, Co Louth.

Reaching Mullingar, I reckoned enough was enough and went to turn for home until I learned that the old rail track from Joe Dolan’s hometown would take me straight to the heart of Ireland.

And after 42 km on the flat, there I was, catapulted into the city, with whom I have an inexplicable connection.

That was back on a sunny August afternoon, but my latest visit was mid-November and a much less strenuous journey on four wheels to the banks of the Shannon and the Radisson Blu, right in the middle of Athlone.

Right from the beginning, I felt welcome in this hotel on the quay on Northgate street, built on the site of the old woolen mills, next to our greatest river.

I stayed in one of the suites, looking down onto the river barges moored below, with imposing Athlone Castle offering a spectacular backdrop.

Everything about the Radisson screams, sorry, whispers relaxation.

Its Synergy health and leisure centre is second to none, shutting out the world in a heated swimming pool, steam room and sauna.

When I visited I had the entire place to myself, feeling like a proper VIP.

Most importantly, it is family friendly – and if my kids are anything to go by, the first thing they ask about when a family staycation is booked: “Is there a pool, Dad?!”

After a couple of lengths, I had worked up an appetite and a table awaited me at the ground-floor Elements Bistro.

Hotel meals can, in some cases, to be something of a lottery, but I just couldn’t fault the food here.

After the vegetable soup, I ordered the mouthwatering beef, which was easily the most tender I have ever tried.

Not wanting to leave the dessert menu out of the mix, I felt compelled to choose a cake for afters, all accompanied by a delicious Chilean Sauvignon Blanc.

After your meal, of course, you have the option of wandering back to your luxurious bedroom or extending your evening with a nightcap in the hotel’s stylish bar.

I found the Radisson the perfect stop for finding out what the town has to offer – and the helpful and friendly staff took the time  to help with any queries I had.

Guests are greeted by  their very own Hidden Heartlands welcome pack before beginning a cultural journey with a visit to Athlone Castle Visitor Centre for a tour of the historic castle.

Destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, various forces wrestled for control of this vital crossing point on the Shannon, which provided access to the western seaboard and Meath to the east.

I was enthralled by the self-guided, interactive tour, which also shines a light on some of Athlone’s famous sons and daughters, including the majestic, world famous tenor, the late Count John McCormack.

And no visit to the middle band would not be complete without a trip to Darrigade folk heritage Museum.

Visitors can take a journey through time and discover the lifestyle of bygone days, or visit Clonmacnoise Monastery and discover an ancient place where time stands still. 

From here, you can take the weight off your feet with a well-earned drink in Sean’s Bar, Ireland’s oldest pub, taste their own whiskey and learn about the history of whiskey making in the town.

Like I did after a long afternoon ramble, guests can return to the hotel later and completely switch off after a day spent discovering the hidden gems of the maritime town.

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With a complementary late-check out the following morning, I woke up completely refreshed and relaxed with another dip in the pool at  Synergy, the ultimate way to start my day.

Totally recharged, I could have cycled back home…but wanted that relaxed feeling to last for the rest of the day.

– Discover the Midlands can be purchased from pps 125 and includes a 2-day break with extra tickets to Athlone castle, Deripaski folk Museum or monastery Clonmacnois, dinner on one evening, a hidden package Heartlands welcome, Breakfast on both morning and access to the centre “synergy health and leisure”.

Offer valid until March 31. For more information on the Discover the Midlands package or to book, call +353 (0)90 644 2600 or visit  www.radathlone.com.