Things To Do
in Athy
Athy is a picturesque town located in County Kildare, Ireland. Known for its rich history and beautiful river, the River Barrow, which flows through the town. Visitors can explore historic sites such as White's Castle and the beautiful Athy Heritage Centre.
Athy also hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Athy Bluegrass Festival, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
- "Dia dhuit" - Hello
- "Slán" - Goodbye
- "Le do thoil" - Please
- "Go raibh maith agat" - Thank you
- "Conas atá tú?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the picturesque Athy Heritage Centre. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Barrow to soak in the natural beauty.
Visit the local shops for some unique finds and grab lunch at a quaint café. Don't miss the chance to explore the nearby trails for a refreshing hike.
Wind down your day with a relaxing dinner at a local pub. Savor traditional Irish dishes while enjoying live music.
Begin at the Athy Heritage Centre Museum to learn about the town's rich history. Take a guided tour to see historical artifacts from the area.
Head to the nearby Kildare Village for some retail therapy and lunch. Discover boutique stores and indulge in some delicious treats.
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant with a focus on local cuisine. Engage in conversation with locals to hear more about Athy's history.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical heritage, including landmarks like Kilcock and the River Barrow.
- A vibrant community with local events and festivals.
- Beautiful scenic landscapes and proximity to nature.
- Affordable housing compared to larger Irish cities.
- Good transport links to Dublin and other major cities.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Public transport options may be less frequent compared to urban areas.
- Fewer amenities and services compared to larger towns or cities.
- Potential for a quieter lifestyle, which may not suit everyone.
- Weather can be unpredictable and often wet.
Best Activities in Athy
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic River Barrow by canoe. This activity allows you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and wildlife along the river while experiencing a bit of adventure.
Walk the extensive trails in the Curragh, a vast plain known for its horse racing and beautiful scenery. The trails offer a peaceful setting for walking, jogging, or cycling.
Discover the rich history of Athy through guided or self-guided heritage trails. These trails take you past historical landmarks and key points of interest in the area.
Try your hand at fishing in the River Barrow, renowned for its rich fishing grounds. This activity is perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy nature.
Although indoors, visit the Athy Model Railway Museum where you can learn about the history of railways in Ireland. Stop by the outdoor exhibits and interact with enthusiasts.
Cycle along the Barrow Blueway, a scenic path that follows the river. It's suitable for all levels of cyclists and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Experience horse riding in the Curragh, famous for its horse racing heritage. Riding schools offer lessons and guided rides for all ages and experience levels.
Enjoy a relaxing picnic at Athy Town Park. The park offers green spaces and facilities that make it a perfect spot for families and friends.
Tours
Uncover the best of Athy with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Athy
Visit one of these nice places.
A historical site with stunning architecture, perfect for capturing the essence of Athy's rich heritage.
Offers picturesque views along the riverwalk, ideal for sunset photography and nature shots.
A great spot to learn about local history and capture intriguing exhibitions and artifacts.
A lovely park that provides various natural backdrops for photography, including green landscapes and flowers.
An iconic structure perfect for interesting architectural shots and scenic views of the river.
With its beautiful stained glass windows and historic architecture, this church is a picturesque setting for photos.
The heart of Athy, bustling with life, offering opportunities to capture local culture and community life.
Food in Athy
Athy Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty stew of lamb or beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots, simmered to tender perfection. A must-try at local pubs like Sheridan's on Emily Square.
Must-Try!
A traditional potato pancake dish that can be enjoyed at the local Leinster Arms, where it's served with various fillings like bacon and cheese.
Rich and creamy chowder brimming with the day's fresh catch, available at popular eateries like The Barge on the Barrow.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Athy better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Every first Sunday of the month, this market comes alive with stalls offering local produce, artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, and tempting street food options such as gourmet burgers and falafel wraps.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Athy, a handshake is a common form of greeting. When meeting someone for the first time, a firm handshake accompanied by a smile and eye contact is appropriate. It's also polite to ask how someone is doing.
Being punctual is appreciated in Athy. Arriving on time for social events, meetings, or family gatherings shows respect for others' time and commitments.
Ireland has a rich cultural heritage, and showing respect for local traditions and customs is important. Engaging with local festivities, being open to learning, and honoring Irish history can foster goodwill.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Athy with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Athy
Ensure a smooth experience
In Athy, Ireland, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to leave a tip of about 10-15% in restaurants if service is good, although some establishments may include a service charge in the bill. Tipping in pubs for bar service is less common, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is considered friendly. Taxi drivers may also receive a tip if the service is satisfactory.
In Athy, various payment methods are accepted, including cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Many businesses prefer card payments, and contactless payments are widely used. ATMs are available for cash withdrawals. Some local markets may require cash, so it's advisable to have a small amount on hand. Public transport may accept both cash and card payments depending on the service.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Athy.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit Athy as the weather begins to warm up and flowers bloom. Expect mild temperatures and occasional rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring local attractions.
Summer (June to August) offers the warmest weather in Athy, with long daylight hours and plenty of events and festivals. Expect vibrant landscapes and a bustling atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the outdoors. However, be prepared for occasional rain showers.
Autumn (September to November) in Athy features cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. It's a great time for scenic walks and enjoying local harvest festivals. Expect a drop in tourism, which might provide a more relaxed experience.
Winter (December to February) brings cold and wet weather to Athy. Expect shorter days and occasional frost. While it may not be the best time for outdoor activities, the cozy atmosphere and festive events around Christmas can make for a charming visit.
Athy at Night
Hiking in Athy
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A historic site with surrounding trails offering pleasant walking and hiking opportunities.
A wooded area with various trails suitable for hiking and enjoying nature.
Beautiful grounds around Kilkea Castle, featuring paths for walking and hiking.
An expansive area of grasslands and trails perfect for hiking, cycling, and walking.
A nearby park with designated hiking trails that also offers adventure activities.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Athy through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Athy by plane.
The largest and busiest airport in Ireland, located approximately 78 km northeast of Athy. Serves as the main international gateway to the country.
Ireland's second-largest international airport, located about 170 km southwest of Athy. It offers a number of international flights.
An international airport located around 180 km west of Athy, serving flights to North America and various European destinations.
Located approximately 156 km north of Athy, it is the main airport serving Northern Ireland with many international connections.
Also known as Ireland West Airport Knock, located about 220 km northwest of Athy, serving a range of domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group, representing the majority of the population in Athy.
Includes individuals from other European countries and those of European descent.
Comprises individuals from various Asian countries, including Chinese, Indian, and Pakistani.
Includes individuals of African descent, including those from Africa and the Caribbean.
Individuals identifying with more than one ethnic group or mixed heritage.
Encompasses various other smaller demographic groups not categorized elsewhere.
The Soul of Athy
Discover the essence of Athy through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Athy, GAA encompasses various traditional Irish sports such as Gaelic football and hurling, drawing significant community support and participation.
Soccer is widely played in Athy, with many local clubs and leagues, providing a competitive platform for enthusiasts of all ages.
Rugby is a popular sport in Athy, with local clubs that foster youth participation and community involvement through matches and events.
Running and athletics are favored activities in Athy, with several local clubs organizing events and training sessions for all age groups.
Swimming is a well-liked sport in Athy, supported by local facilities that cater to both recreational swimmers and competitive training.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Athy.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Athy provide vegetarian options, including The Barge, where you can enjoy a flavorful vegetable curry.
Visitors with a vegan diet can savor dishes like roasted vegetable tart at The Bay Tree or vegan risotto at The Ballyroe Restaurant.
For those seeking gluten-free fare, The Bay Tree offers a selection of gluten-free cakes and The Ballyroe Restaurant features dishes like pan-seared salmon with quinoa salad.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Athy with these cultural adventures.
