Free talk next week on history of Athlone's nuclear bunker

The history of Athlone's nuclear bunker will be the subject of a lunchtime talk in the Luan Gallery next week.

The Athlone venue will host the talk by Dr Ian Kenneally, Historian in Residence with Westmeath County Council, on Thursday, May 30, at 1pm.

Dr Kenneally will present his research on the history of the nuclear bunker in Custume Barracks.

The talk will be followed by a guided tour of Luan Gallery’s current exhibition, Apocalypse Anxieties, by the gallery curator, Aoife Banks.

Apocalypse Anxieties, described as "a contemporary visual art exhibition at the end of the world," responds conceptually, aesthetically, and affectively to the underground nuclear bunker installed at the local Army barracks during the Cold War.

Next Thursday's event is suitable for all ages. Booking in advance is not required for individuals but is for groups. The event is supported by Creative Ireland.

The Apocalypse Anxieties exhibition will continue until Thursday, June 27.

It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 5pm and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm. Admission to the Gallery is free, and guided tours are free to all but require advance booking.