Moyvally: Discover Golf and History

Golf, Balyna House and the historic bridges along the canal give Moyvally a clear identity for travel planning. If you are looking for a hotel in Moyvally, you could start by considering whether the golf course, architectural history or the Royal Canal will shape your stay. The golf course is a prominent focal point; the history of the Balyna Estate and its buildings also offers a different way to discover the area.

Golf in Moyvally

The golf course at Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort is an inland course designed according to the principles of links golf. It is located on the 500-acre Balyna Estate in North Kildare and was designed by Darren Clarke and European Golf Design. The course measures 6,660 yards and is a par 72. It is considered challenging while also suitable for golfers of all abilities.

The course features rolling fairways, well-maintained bunkers, lakes and large greens with modern facilities. Training facilities include a driving range with outdoor and covered hitting bays. The short-game academy has two large chipping greens, three large bunkers and a large practice putting green. The clubhouse overlooks Balyna House and has a well-stocked pro shop, ladies’ and gents’ changing rooms, a lounge serving food, and a sun balcony. If these facilities are important to your plans, check the details before you travel. The course also has a place in Irish golf history: it hosted the Irish PGA Championships in 2016 and 2017.

Balyna House and the history of the estate

Balyna House is an impressive 19th-century Italianate mansion. The history of the Balyna Estate goes back further: Queen Elizabeth I granted the estate to the O’Moore family in 1574, after they had lost their lands in Laois and were reinstated at Balyna. Balyna House can be used for civil ceremonies with up to 150 guests. If you are planning a celebration, confirm the current capacity in advance.

Two bridges with different histories

Moyvally Bridge has considerable historical and social significance as a reminder of the development of Ireland’s canal network. The single-arch rubble-stone road bridge over the canal dates from around 1810. It should be distinguished from a separate, single-span road bridge of the same name, built of cut stone and crossing the railway line. It dates from around 1850 and is no longer in use. Their different designs and dates make clear that these are descriptions of two separate bridges.

The Moyvally Ramp on the Royal Canal

The Moyvally Ramp was completed in June 2019, completing the Royal Canal Greenway at Moyvally. It connects the towpath beneath the existing R148 road bridge to the old masonry canal bridge beside Furey’s Bar. If you plan to use the route, check current route conditions before setting out.

More destinations in the wider County Kildare

The wider destination of County Kildare also offers distinctive attractions. Castletown House is located in Celbridge, in an 18th-century parkland setting on the banks of the Liffey. The house contains a significant collection of paintings, furnishings and works of art. The parklands are open year-round from 07:00 to 22:00; check current visitor information before your visit.

At Donadea Forest Park, Donadea Castle and the estate, which was the former home of the Aylmer family until 1935, are part of the area’s history. The Lake Walk is 0.8 km long, takes about 30 minutes and is accessible to everyone. There are also three permanent orienteering courses: a short one of 1.8 km, a medium one of 3.4 km and a long one of 4.6 km. The routes therefore differ in both length and purpose.

Another cultural highlight in County Kildare is the Japanese Gardens at the Irish National Stud. They were laid out between 1906 and 1910 and designed by Japanese garden designer Tassa Eida and his son Minoru. A free guided tour is included in the admission price and takes place regularly during the day. As tour arrangements may change, it is advisable to check current visitor information.

Discover more destinations: Ballymore Eustace, Straffan, Moone, Castledermot, Calverstown, Kildangan, Carbury, Ballitore.

For the wider travel overview: County Kildare.