Traveling between Dublin and Galway

You're traveling by car, is that right?

Athlone is about halfway and here are Quick Facts from Goolgle:
"Athlone is a town in central Ireland. The medieval Athlone Castle offers views from its battlements, plus displays on local history. South of town, along the River Shannon, the early Christian ruins of Clonmacnoise include a cathedral and 7 churches. To the north, vast Lough Ree is dotted with islands, some housing monastic ruins. Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park has a ring fort, a forge and rich birdlife."

There are more famous tourist destinations not too far out of the way like Trim (northwest of Dublin) and the Irish National Stud (southwest of Dublin).

Clonmacnoise is a beautiful ruined abbey a bit off the main road south of Athlone. Something to consider?

thank you epltd and Stacy. I have saved both of those suggestions for when the time comes.
Much appreciated.