Athlone is a town that lies on the River Shannon near the southern extremity of Lough Ree, Ireland.
Athlone is located close to the geographical centre of Ireland, on the border of two counties, Roscommon and Westmeath, which are located in the provinces of Connacht and Leinster respectively. Although the River Shannon, which runs through the town, forms the historic border between County Roscommon and County Westmeath, the Local Government Act of 1898 designated most of the town as belonging to Westmeath, including areas west of the river. Much recent growth has occurred outside the official town boundaries. Monksland for example, a suburb on the west side of the town, is not within the official town boundaries, yet is the most populous area of County Roscommon.
The 2006 census records the population of the town at 17,544 - though this does not include some outlying suburbs.
The town has also been described as "the commercial capital of the Irish midlands" and is governed by an elected town council (which elects a Mayor).
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