Shannon divides the town Athlone into two portions, known as the Leinster side (est), and the Connaught side (west), which are connected by a bridge opened in 1844. There is a swivel railway of ridge. The rapids of the Shannon at this point are obviated by the means of a lock communication with a basin, which renders high navigation of the river practicable above the town. The Leamers of the Shannon Development Company aply on the pivet, and some trade by water is carried on with Limerick, high with Dublin by the river and the Grand and Royal canals. At thione is an important agricultural centre, and there are factories. The salmon fishing both provides sport and is a source of commercial wealth. There are two parish churches both erected early in the 19th century. The military importance of Athlone dates from the erection the castle and of a bridge over the river by John de Grey, hop of Norwich and justiciar of Ireland, in 1210. It became seat of the presidency of Connaught under Elizabeth, and Lhstood a siege by the insurgents in 1641.In 1797 the town was fortified on the Roscommon side, the works covering acres and containing two magazines, an ordnance store, an noury with 15,000 stands of arms and barracks for 1500 men.The works are now dismantled.