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Athy is an important heritage town in south Kildare. The town seems to have originated in the mid 1200's with the foundation of two monasteries. The town as we know it today owes much of its development to the development of the canal network and subsequent industrial growth in the 19th century. Athy is also a town on the historical Gordon Bennett Route, a road race which is celebrated each year with a classic car run. The town is a vibrant town and offers plenty of cafés, shops and pubs for the locals and visitors to enjoy. The town has a new Ernest Shackleton Museum, it is CLOSED until 2024 due to refurbishments . https://shackletonmuseum.com/

For a more in-depth study of the town check out the Athy Conservation Managment Interperation Plan commissioned 2016.

Where to Stay in Athy

Click here for Accommodation in Athy

Things to see and do in Athy

Enjoy a relaxing cruise along tranquil Irish waterways with Athy Boat Tours
Explore Burtown House and Gardens, an early Georgian villa set in 10 acres of gardens and parkland
Delve into the adventures of Ernest Shackleton, polar explorer and his crew on Endurance in 1914/1915 at the Ernest Shackleton Museum
Take a guided walk around this historic town, contact The Athy Heritage Centre-Museum for bookings
Venture a little outside the town to Moone to see the 8th century, 17.5 foot High Cross.