Athy: History, Shackleton and Walks by the Water

Athy combines historic sites with activities by the water. The River Barrow and the Athy branch of the Grand Canal meet in the town. Athy is also one of two Heritage Towns in County Kildare. The Shackleton Experience, buildings from different eras and the People’s Park each offer a different focus.

River Barrow and walks by the water

Athy Boat Tours by BoatTrips.ie depart from the centre of Athy and travel along the River Barrow. They offer peaceful cruises on one of Ireland’s scenic inland waterways. The operator is located at Barrow Quay, Athy, County Kildare, R14 XV56, Ireland. The tours are suitable for all ages, families, groups and wheelchair users; private charters are also available.

The Barrow Walk offers a different perspective on foot. The 2.6 km route begins at the Courthouse by the River Barrow and passes under the Horse Bridge and the Railway Bridge. It then follows the Canal Path to the slipway at Carlow Road. The distance and landmarks listed give the route a clearly defined course. The boat tour and walking route bring the River Barrow into your stay in different ways: from the water and along the described route.

Shackleton Experience

The Shackleton Experience is in the centre of Athy in County Kildare and is dedicated to the life and achievements of Ernest Shackleton. His story is presented alongside the golden age of polar exploration in eleven immersive galleries. On display is the original cabin aboard the “Quest”, where Shackleton died of a heart attack in 1921 during the Shackleton-Rowett Expedition to the South Pole. The Experience also features rare original film footage in a reconstructed 1920s cinema. The free multimedia guides can be downloaded before your visit.

Architectural history and the People’s Park

The buildings in Athy also represent different historical periods. St Michael’s Church of Ireland was built in 1840 on land that belonged to the Duke of Leinster. Woodstock Castle is a Norman structure dating from the 13th century. The historic selection thus ranges from a church built in the 19th century with a specific date to a structure of Norman origin.

The People’s Park is in the centre of Athy and combines the history of the park with things to do outdoors. It is believed to be at least 150 years old and was originally laid out around 1860 by the Duke of Leinster. The park includes a playground, a play area and an entertaining, educational tree trail with old and mature trees. The estimated age range and the date of its creation around 1860 add to the park’s history; the play areas and tree trail provide other specific points of interest in the park.

Choose the focus of your stay

When comparing hotels in Athy, you can first consider which themes you would like to shape your stay: Shackleton’s history and polar exploration, architectural history, or time on the River Barrow and the Barrow Walk. This way, your search starts with the sights and activities that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Johnstown, Monasterevin, Moyvally, Carbury, Ballymore Eustace, Straffan, Calverstown, Moone.

For the broader travel overview: County Kildare.