Athy, Market town at River Barrow and Grand Canal in County Kildare, Ireland
Athy is a market town in County Kildare where the River Barrow meets the Grand Canal at a junction. These two waterways shape the town's layout and provide walking routes and recreation areas for visitors.
The Anglo-Norman settlement started in 1169 when Richard de Clare granted lands to Robert de St. Michael, establishing the town's foundation. The place later developed into an important trading hub with strategic importance in the region.
The Shackleton Museum in the Athy Heritage Centre displays artifacts and documents about polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and his Antarctic journeys. Visitors can see personal items and records that tell the story of his expeditions and life.
The town has regular train connections to Dublin and Waterford, with the railway station situated centrally on Station Road. Visitors can reach the main attractions and shops on foot from the town center.
The town hosted the Gordon Bennett Cup in 1903, one of the first international motor races held in Britain and Ireland. This event marked the place as an early center of motorsport history.
Location: County Kildare
Elevation above the sea: 71 m
Website: http://athy.ie
GPS coordinates: 52.99000,-6.99000
Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:11
Whites Castle
447 m
Woodstock Castle
779 m
Athy Town Hall
495 m
Athy Court House
444 m
Ernest Shackleton
480 m
Cromaboo Bridge
411 m
Athy Presbyterian Church
1.1 km
St Michael's Roman Church
620 m
Athy Railway Bridge
943 m
River Barrow Horse Bridge
439 mSt Dominic's Church
262 m
Athy Methodist Church
245 m
River Barrow Railway Bridge
532 m
Barrow Lock
402 m
Athy Lock Crane
136 m
Athy Lock
134 m
River Barrow Weir
556 mSigns of Change
124 mStatue of Saint Dominic
423 mCanal Worker
843 mAthy Priory
457 mSwan
141 mErnest Shackleton
517 mFord of Ae
1 kmSphishing
556 mMural, Work of art
475 mMural, Work of art
541 mWork of art
707 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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