|
Athy
find holiday homes in Athy
|
Athy is a busy market
town located at the meeting point of the Grand Canal and the River
Barrow in south County Kildare, 70 km southwest of Dublin. It is one
of Ireland’s most ancient towns and is a designated Heritage Town.
Today, Athy is a vibrant place with lots of character. Narrow,
winding streets lined with little shops and traditional pubs make it
the quintessential Irish country market town. Athy is dominated by
the 16th century White’s Castle, a rectangular turreted tower that
sits commandingly by the bridge over the river Barrow in the heart
of the town.
The old Market House, which is situated in the town centre is the
home of the impressive Athy Heritage Centre. The centre houses a
remarkable collection of artefacts and memorabilia of Ernest
Shackleton, the legendary explorer. Among the most impressive is a
scale model of the Endurance. Each year the Centre arranges and
hosts the Shackleton Autumn School, with speakers from around the
world to speak on different aspects of Antarctica and Shackleton's
life in particular.
The Grand Canal linking Athy with Dublin is now used mainly by
pleasure boats. The Canal towpaths provide lovely walks from Emily
Square to Ardreigh and also from William Street to Lennon’s Bridge.
The woods of Mullragh and Blackwood are about 6km from Athy and
contain pleasant forest walks and picnic areas. Athy is also popular
for its fishing, offering salmon and trout on the Grand Canal and
the River Barrow.
Athy Golf Club was formed in 1906. Originally a 9-hole course, Athy
was extended to 18-holes in 1993. Within the last few years some
major developmental work has been carried out on the course to
create a tougher test of golf. Athy also has a lovely Par 3 golf
course situated along the banks of the Grand Canal. Just over 7km
from Athy is the wonderful Kilkea Castle Golf and Country Club which
is located in a beautiful setting at Kilkea Castle, Castledermot.
About 3 miles outside of Athy on the Kilcullen road is one of the
largest Norman mottes in the country, Ardscull Motte. The 35ft high
mound with its surrounding ditch and bank and previously
incorporated an enclosed yard is believed to be created in the 12th
century.
Athy Town is an ideal touring base, with the Wicklow Mountains,
Glendalough, Dublin City, the mediaeval city of Kilkenny and the
Sunny South East all within easy reach. |
Home
Athy Holiday Homes - County Kildare, Ireland