Originally, Soghan was surrounded by Uí Maine to the east, Aidhne to the south, and Maigh Seola to the west.

It was ostensibly closed during the Protestant Reformation but survived until being desecrated and burned during the Mac an Iarla wars of the 1560s–80s, and was finally vandalised by Cromwellians in the 1650s.

The monument, which is of Tabernacle or Lantern type, is the only one of its kind in Ireland, and the only medieval cross in the country still standing in situ.

[8] A heritage centre now occupies the remains of the mid-13th century St Mary's Collegiate Church adjacent to the town Square.

In 1863, a late Bronze Age shield was found in the vicinity of Athenry, and is now held in the British Museum's collection.

In December 2017, funding was announced for a "Food Innovation Hub" in Athenry, projected by its promoters to create 360 jobs within 3 years, and to cost in the region of €3.9m.

[17] The club reached the 2006 final of the FAI Junior Cup,[18] and the following year it became the Galway & District League champions for the first time, repeating the same achievement during the 2007–08, 2009–10, and 2014–15 seasons.

[20][21] Athenry is twinned with the town of Quimperlé in Brittany (France) and, since 2013, Renews-Cappahayden, Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada).