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Athy

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Athy, Market town at River Barrow and Grand Canal in County Kildare, Ireland

Description

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.

History

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.

Culture

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.

Practical

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.

Did you know?

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
Elevation above the sea
71 m
Website
GPS coordinates
52.99000,-6.99000
Latest update
December 20, 2025 12:44

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (County Kildare).

« Athy - Market town at River Barrow and Grand Canal in County Kildare, Ireland » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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