This is the GSWR's Athlone Station on the Galway line from Portarlington. In 1984, it was decided to reopen this station which had been closed for decades, and take the MGWR's Midland station across the River Shannon out of use. Galway trains had already been gradually re-routed to the GSWR's line from Portarlington since 1973.

While the facade of the GSWR station is imposing, the railway side when reopened had a hideous grey brick waiting room added to the front which spoils the whole appearance.  The station has two platforms, the up one been an island. The former goods shed is home to the Athlone Level Crossing Contriol Centre. At the western end of the station, 'thunderbird' locos are stabled at the headshunt, prior to the junction with the former MGWR line from Mullingar, and of course the large Shannon River Bridge.