Athy Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, stay, eat and drink, and activities to do in Athy, Ireland. Learn about the culture, customs, safety, and transportation options to help plan your trip.


Introduction to Athy

Located in County Kildare, in the East Coast and Midlands region of Ireland, Athy is a charming town with a rich history that dates back to the medieval times. Its strategic location on the River Barrow makes it an ideal spot for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, hiking, and biking.

List of Places to Visit in Athy

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Athy has preserved much of its heritage and history through museums and historical places that visitors can explore.

  • Athy Heritage Centre: Discover the history of Athy from prehistoric times to the present day. Explore artefacts and interactive exhibitions that showcase the town’s rich history.
  • White’s Castle: Built-in the 1400s, this castle was once used as a courthouse and prison. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction with informative exhibitions and guided tours that shed light on the castle’s history.
  • Shackleton Museum: Explore the life and times of the famous explorer Ernest Shackleton, who was born in Athy in 1874. The museum houses a vast collection of artefacts and photographs that tell the story of Shackleton’s Arctic expeditions.

Natural Attractions of Athy: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The natural beauty of Athy can be enjoyed with a range of outdoor activities and scenic spots.

  • River Barrow: Enjoy a lazy river ride, fishing, or a picnic on the banks of the River Barrow.
  • Athy Bog: Hike through the stunning Athy Bog, which is home to unique wildlife and diverse vegetation.
  • Stradbally Wood: This stunning woodland is ideal for a leisurely stroll, and visitors can spot birds and animals in their natural habitat.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Athy

For outdoor enthusiasts, Athy offers several scenic routes for hiking and biking.

  • The Barrow Way: Follow the towpath of the River Barrow as it winds through stunning countryside and towns. The route is ideal for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers.
  • Grand Canal Way: This 117 km route runs from Dublin to Shannon Harbour and offers breathtaking views of the Irish landscape, including some beautiful towns and villages.

Best Things to Do in Athy: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Athy:

  • Boat trip on the River Barrow: Take a boat trip on the River Barrow to soak up the stunning landscapes on both sides of the river.
  • Athy Farmers Market: Visit the weekly farmers market, which is held every Sunday, to taste some of the best local produce from the region.
  • Athy Golf Club: Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf at the Athy Golf Club, which is set amidst beautiful landscapes.
  • Athy Model Railway & Museum: This unique museum features a model railway layout and an extensive collection of railway-related artefacts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Athy

Day 1: Visit Athy Heritage Centre, White’s Castle, and enjoy a scenic walk along the River Barrow. Day 2: Take a boat trip on the River Barrow and visit the Athy Farmers Market. Day 3: Explore the Athy Bog, watch the sunset and have a picnic. Day 4: Play golf at the Athy Golf Club, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and visit the Shackleton Museum. Day 5: Hike through Stradbally Wood, enjoy the scenery and spot birds and animals. Day 6: Enjoy some shopping, buy souvenirs and local products to bring home and visit the Athy Model Railway & Museum. Day 7: Relax and enjoy the local cuisine, try the local beer and spirits, and make new friends.

Food and Drink Scene of Athy

Must-Try Dishes

Athy is known for some specialty dishes and traditional recipes that visitors must try.

  • Irish Stew: This hearty and comforting stew is made with lamb or mutton, potatoes, carrots, and onions, and slow-cooked for several hours.
  • Boxty: Often referred to as the Irish potato pancake, this dish is made with grated potatoes, flour, and buttermilk.
  • Coddle: This Dublin speciality consists of sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions slow-cooked in a broth.

Local Beverages

Athy has some excellent local beers and spirits that visitors should try.

  • Murphy’s Stout: Brewed in Athy, Murphy’s Stout is a craft beer with a distinct flavour and smooth finish.
  • Irish Whiskey: Athy is home to some of the best whiskey distilleries, and visitors can try some excellent Irish whiskey.

Where to Stay in Athy: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Athy offers several accommodation options for every budget and type of traveller.

  • Clanard Court Hotel: This luxury hotel is located just 5 minutes from Athy town centre and boasts elegant rooms, a spa, fitness centre, and restaurant.
  • Carlton Abbey Hotel: This elegant hotel is set amidst beautiful gardens and parklands, offering guests a tranquil and peaceful stay.
  • Athy Lodge: This cosy guesthouse offers reasonably priced rooms and excellent hospitality.

What to Buy in Athy: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can take home some unique souvenirs and local products from Athy, such as:

  • Ceramics and pottery: Athy has numerous pottery and ceramic studios that produce handmade and unique pieces.
  • Kildare Village: Located just outside Athy, Kildare Village is a luxury outlet shopping destination for high-end brands and designer goods.
  • Athy Craft Market: This weekly market offers handmade crafts, jewellery, and local produce.

Local Culture and Customs of Athy

Irish people are known for their hospitality, fondness for music, and love for sports. Visitors to Athy can expect a warm welcome from the locals, and they will appreciate it if visitors take an interest in their culture and customs.

Best Time to Visit Athy

The best time to visit Athy is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is warm and pleasant. However, Athy is ideal for outdoor activities all year round, with several events and festivals happening throughout the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Athy

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Ask for assistance from locals.
  • Take appropriate safety precautions while doing outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Be loud in public places.
  • Litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Drink and drive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Athy

Athy is a safe town for visitors to explore, but as with any destination, visitors should exercise caution and take appropriate safety precautions.

Health in Athy

Visitors to Athy should take usual health precautions such as avoiding street food, drinking bottled water, and carrying any necessary medications.

Getting to Athy: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Athy

The nearest international airport to Athy is Dublin Airport, located approximately 75 km away.

Bus Stations Near Athy

Athy Bus Station serves the town and is located in the town centre, with regular buses to Dublin and other nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

Visitors can arrive in Athy using the train, bike, or a car rental. Athy train station is located in the town centre, making it a convenient option for tourists.

How to Get Around in Athy

Athy is small enough to explore on foot, but visitors can use public transport systems such as buses or taxis to get around town or take a car rental for more flexibility.

Where to Go Next from Athy: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Athy is an excellent base to explore several nearby destinations such as:

  • Dublin: Visit Ireland’s capital city, with its famous historical landmarks, museums, and galleries.
  • Kilkenny: Explore the medieval city of Kilkenny, home to impressive castles, cathedrals, and gardens.
  • Wicklow Mountains National Park: A nature lover’s paradise, the Wicklow Mountains National Park boasts of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and activities like hiking and biking.

Conclusion

Athy, Ireland, is a wonderful town with many cultural and natural attractions, activities, and a thriving food and drink scene. Visitors can explore the town’s heritage, indulge in outdoor activities, buy unique souvenirs and products, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals. With this comprehensive guide, visitors can plan their trip to Athy, Ireland, with ease and make unforgettable memories.

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