Congratulations! Including a 1-day itinerary in Athy on your Ireland bucket list is a wise wise choice. I have only recently spent time in Athy, even though I lived in Dublin, a mere hour train or drive away, and have visited Ireland more than a dozen times since. This is the exact reason I have always loved returning to familiar places. There is always something new to discover. Said to have derived from the ancient Irish place name “Ath Ae”, later Anglicised as “Athy”, this town in the southwest corner of County Kildare is going to charm you into spending a full weekend with County Dublin’s neighbour.
Happy planning, fellow traveller!
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Why Visit Athy, County Kildare?
One of the best things about Athy is that it doesn’t put on airs or pretend to be anything other than its wonderful self. People here are hardworking and proud of where they come from, with an abundance of welcome and enthusiasm. A 7-minute drive east to west covers the distance of Athy, where 11,000 people call home. Within that space, there’s an array of memorable activities to fill your day. I’ve visited twice in the past year and keep learning of more to see and do!
PLANNING YOUR COUNTY KILDARE TRIP LAST MINUTE?
🥶 Explore Ireland’s Antarctic connections at Shackleton Experience
🐴 Experience horse country’s unique museum at Irish National Stud and Gardens
💦 Cruise the canals with Digby Lock Grand Canal Cruise
🍺 Pour a pint on the Kildare Brewing Company Guided Tour
What first brought me to Athy, and likely what will initially attract you as well, is the marvellous Shackleton Experience. I’ll go into more detail about this one-of-a-kind museum below. Other standouts include “casual castles” (the phrase I coined for the plentiful castles sprinkled across Ireland), the comfiest bed you’ll ever sleep in, golfing, the Blueway (a multi-use leisure path along the canal), a most magical brunch spot, and a very special kind of historic pub that is disappearing in Ireland.
Do not miss this wonderful and welcoming Irish town in County Kildare. Keep on reading to learn why you’ll want to copy this 1-day itinerary in Athy.
Use This 1-Day Itinerary in Athy, County Kildare
County Kildare has something for history connoisseurs, pub goers, world explorers, art enthusiasts, and those who love a lazy day on the water. If you’ve visited, or live in, County Kildare and have suggestions to add to the 1-day itinerary in Athy below, leave it in the comments below.
QUICK VIEW OF THE 1-DAY ITINERARY IN ATHY
Breakfast @ Burtown House and Gardens
Morning Exploring @ Shackleton Experience
Lunch @ Frank O’Brien’s Bar and Grocery
Afternoon options @ Boat Trip.ie
Dinner and Evening Entertainment @ Clancy’s Pub
Breakfast and a View
How you begin your morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. Starting your day at Burtown House and Gardens will have you floating on cloud nine from the moment you walk through the Green Barn’s doors.
A working estate and home that’s been in the Burtown family for 4 generations, it’s undergone quite a transformation over its time. Joanna and James, the wife and husband owners and creative duo behind its modern day evolution, have combined their complimentary interests and skills (hers: interior design, his: photography) to create a delicious oasis. Earthy materials, ample natural light, and high ceilings set the tone for a relaxing meal.
The Green Barn, originally known as the Gallery Café, is your breakfast destination. The 150-year old kitchen garden on the estate supplies all of the colourful seasonal produce guests enjoy on their plate, as well as the restaurant’s beautiful floral decorations. James’ photography adorns the walls and the people in the portraits feel like old friends joining you at the table.
Before you leave, belly pleasantly full, make sure to pick up some of their fresh-baked pastries. Trust me. They’re scrumptious!
Morning Museum Visit
As I mentioned above, the Shackleton Experience is what initially brought me to Athy. As a part of the FAM tour I was on, I had the pleasure and privilege to get a sneak peek behind the scenes right before they opened in 2025. I revisited and had the full museum experience in 2026. It was stellar!
Aside from the stunningly renovated 300-year old building, walking through the museum is a full-sensory experience. It’s such a great activity for people of all ages. There are life-size boat, balloon, and car replicas, interactive displays, and Shackleton’s actual ship cabin. It is also the world’s only museum dedicated to Ernest Shackleton.
Around Athy you will see other nods to Ernest Shackleton, such as the bronze memorial statue outside of the Shackleton Experience in Emily Square and the mural of the man himself seen through the rear museum windows.
Self-Guided Visits start at €15. There’s a free downloadable AR with added storytelling at each exhibit stop. For an extra €4, add the Audio Tour App. It lasts about 1.5 hours and is available in English, Gaeilge, French, Spanish, Italian, German, ISL (Irish Sign Language), and BSL (British Sign Language).
Lunch
After all of that polar exploration and learning, you’re going to have worked up an appetite. Might I suggest another unique, historic, and memorable place in Athy for your meal: Frank O’Brien’s Bar and Grocery. This is not just any pub. It is a bar and grocery, and one of but a few left in Ireland.
Did you know that “pub” is short term for “public house”? The linguist in me loves discovering these etymological trails. Many pubs began as grocery stores (and tailors, cobblers, pawn shops, fishmongers, etc…) and later evolved to also be public gathering places for a pint or few. Sometimes they were also known as “spirit grocers” as seen in the first written account in the Belfast News Letter. These community cornerstones were as common as the local church. The introduction of super markets in the 1960s drastically changed the landscape. Today, Ireland’s bar and grocers are fading but some, like O’Brien’s, still thrive.
For more than 150 years, the O’Brien family has operated the pub and grocer. Stephen O’Brien, his wife, and their 11 children moved to Athy on the doctor’s orders for fresh air. They purchased the spirit-grocers and started a family business that’s now a large part of Irish history. Patrons used to be able to buy everything from milk and bread to passenger ship tickets in the 1800s. Today, Judith, a fourth-generation proprietor who took over from her father Frank, runs the red-awning bar and grocery.
In addition to being able to buy groceries and a pint at Frank O’Brien’s, you can also procure the locally famous Brown Bag Lunch. With the tagline, “serving good food fast, never fast food”, you know you’re in good hands. Fresh soup and sandwiches are served daily and an excellent lunch time meal.
Come back in the evening to transport yourself back in time with a pint in the back room.
Afternoon
For an afternoon in Athy you’ve a few options to choose from.
Athy Library
I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love visiting and working in local libraries when I’m abroad. The local Athy Library is one such place that sticks in your head long after you leave because it is just so exquisite. Formerly a 1960s Dominican (Catholic) Church, the uncommon hyperbolic paraboloid roofline will grab your attention from the parking lot.
The freestanding brutalist building is historically important in that it was Ireland’s first modern church, circa the Vatican II era. The vibrant abstract stained glass is by the artist George Campbell, who was born in Wicklow. In 2015 the church became Kildare County Council property with the intent to keep it as a community gathering space. Three years later, it reopened in May 2018. Today, it is a dazzling modern library, complete with multi-purpose areas, a balcony area with work tables and chairs, sensory cubbies, public laptops, and more.
White’s Castle and Crom Abú Bridge
White’s Castle, a 16th-century tower house for Sir John Talbot (Viceroy of Ireland) is built on the same site of a 15th century castle on the River Barrow. Originally placed there to keep watch over those passing the neighbouring Crom Abú Bridge (named for the FitzGerald family war cry), it has served many purposes. It survived the Confederate Wars in the 1640s, was a prison for rebels in 1798, a garrison for British troops, and later a private home.
The Doyle/Norman family owned White’s Castle for a century before selling it in 2005 for a cool 1.3 million euros. In 2012 it was sold to another private owner, this time for only €195,000. To illustrate further the yo-yo of the real estate market, White’s Castle sold once again in 2019, this time for €450,000 (CAD $707,000). To put that price in perspective, as of 2026 the average Toronto condo sold for CAD $634,972. (ref: “TRREB Releases 2026 Q2 Condo Market Statistics”)
Since White’s Castle is still a private residence, visitors are not permitted inside. However, because of it’s location in Athy, you are able to get a pretty decent view from both the land and water. To learn more, check out this informative human-authored blog post.
Canal Cruise
Weather-permitting, a canal cruise is a perfect way to spend an afternoon in Athy. Since the town is at the intersection of the Grand Canal and River Barrow, there are several options with Boat Trips that range from 1 – 5 hours in length. Both private and public bookings are possible. Booking in advance is highly encouraged, as is going to the washroom before you board as there are no toilets on the boat!
Athy Boat Tours is another local company that is wheelchair accessible. They offer 2 tours: the Lock Gate Experience (1 hour) and Immersed in Nature (2 hour) tour. They specialize in small group tours of up to 12 people and also offer the option of private or public experiences.
Dinner and After Hours
Clancy’s Pub is another longstanding family business in Athy. Known as one of the best pubs for music in eastern Ireland, it has the longest running free trad music session in Ireland – an impressive 60 years! It’s become a destination for locals and travellers alike. In 1966, the grocer’s storeroom was converted into a gathering place for musicians and they’ve kept coming back ever since. At the weekly trad sessions, up to 30 musicians of all ages play together in the back room. With sheet music for wallpaper and photos of past and present musicians adorning the walls, the tone is set before the music begins. If you’re planning a 1-day itinerary in Athy, plan it for a Thursday.
Where is County Kildare?
County Kildare neighbours County Dublin to the west, in the province of Leinster. Part of Ireland’s Ancient East, it’s the 24th largest of Ireland’s 32 counties. Other counties that border County Kildare include Carlow, Laois, Meath, Offaly, and Wicklow. There are 3 major rivers (Barrow, the Liffey, and the Boyne) that criss-cross County Kildare.
By car or train, it’s less than an hour west of Dublin. From Belfast, it’s 2.5 hours driving and 3.5 hours by train. From Cork, it’s roughly 2 hours and from Galway it’s also a 2 hour drive.
Where to Stay in County Kildare
There are all sorts of excellent accommodation to choose from in and around Athy. From castles like Barberstown, to the most fabulous Killashee Hotel, to family accommodation at spots like The Rooms at Firecastle, there’s all sorts.
Looking for quick suggestions on where to stay during your visit to County Kildare? I’ve listed my top recommendations below. If you’re looking for more in-depth information here’s a post on Where to Stay in County Kildare and another on my honest review of Barberstown Castle.
- 🏆 Travel with TMc Favourite – Killashee Hotel and Roísín Dubh Houseboat
- ✨ Unique – Roísín Dubh Houseboat
- 📍 Location – Silken Thomas or The Rooms at Firecastle
- 🛏️ Budget – Forest Farm Caravan and Camping
- 💸 Luxury – The K Club
- 💚 Romantic – Barberstown Castle
- 🥰 Weddings – Clanard Court Hotel
- 👨👩👦👦 Families and Groups – The Rooms at Firecastle
- 👀 I’ve Got My Eye On – Kilkea Castle and Stable Yard House at Burtown House and Gardens
Click on the map below to find and book your accommodation in County Kildare.
What Should I Pack for a Trip to Ireland?
When it comes to packing for a trip to Ireland, layers are everything. A (long) rain coat is always a better option than an umbrella. Definitely make sure to pack good shoes that can handle rain. Other than that, dress however is comfortable for you and appropriate for the activities and season. Check out my travel must haves.
Getting to County Kildare
By Car
If you’re like me and you love a road trip, then check out the online platform Discover Cars for your rentals. I’ve used them, specifically in Ireland, and everything was super easy. They gather data from several companies so that you can compare prices in one place. I also like how they display the breakdown for all fees and taxes. Discover Cars also offers lower prices because they negotiate on your behalf directly with the car rental companies.
For those driving from Dublin Airport, it’s a lickety-split drive to County Kildare – less than an hour! Simply hop on the M(otorway)50 and M4 or M7. If you’re driving from the west of the country, like Cork, then take the M8 and arrive in about 2 hours.
Pro Tip: For the best driving directions for Canada or overseas, I use the Waze app.
By Train
I love taking the train in Ireland and have done so on numerous occasions over the past 13 years. Irish Rail has daily train service around the country. It’s advised to book in advance, especially during peak times. You can purchase your ticket online up to 90 days before travel at www.IrishRail.ie, at ticket offices, or at ticket vending machines when they’re available. It’s also possible to reserve seats on many Intercity trains.
The train trip from Dublin’s Connolly or Heuston stations to County Kildare takes around 35 minutes.
Within County Kildare there are train stations in Athy, Celbridge, Confey, Enfield, Hazelhatch, Kilcock, Kildare, Leixlip, Leixlip (Louisa Bridge), Maynooth, Monasterevin, Naas, Newbridge, and Sallins.
Pro Tip: I love using the OMIO app. You can compare and book buses, trains, and flights really easily.
By Bus
Ireland has several coach bus lines to transport you around the country. It’s possible to check all bus schedules from the Transport for Ireland website. If you’re going to Kildare from Dublin’s city centre or airport, or from several cities like Cork, Killarney, Kilkenny, or Limerick, there are 3 companies to check out: Dublin Coach, JJ Kavanagh, and Go Ahead. On my most recent trip I had a pretty decent ride with Dublin Coach.
Transportation in County Kildare
By Foot
My favourite way to see a place is by walking. Within each town it’s pretty easy to do, depending on where you’re staying. Getting from town to town you will likely want a car or other mode of transportation, unless you’re game for a very long stroll!
By City Bus
The city bus is a great sustainable choice for getting from town to town within County Kildare. It’s a lovely way to “live like a local” while travelling. One aspect I love about taking the bus in Ireland is that everyone says thank you as they exit. It actually reminds me a lot of Vancouver, Canada. This map gives you a visual of the available routes around the country. This map from 2021 shows transit networks in Kildare.
There are a few important things to note for taking buses. First, you have to flag them down for them to stop. I made that mistake once or twice when living in Ireland until a local clued me in! Second, vaping and smoking are prohibited on public transit. Third, use headphones if on your phone or a tablet. A good rule of thumb is to always be mindful of others.
Pro Tip: Get a Leap Card to travel like a local and save money! Leap Cards are reusable, pre-paid public transit cards using a tap-on system. They give you access any TFI (Transport for Ireland) network, including BUS (Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Go-Ahead Ireland, TFI Local Link), RAIL (the DART, Commuter Rail Zones 1-4, Cork-Cobh/Midleton lines, the Luas), and PRIVATE OPERATORS (Ashbourne Connect, City Direct, Matthews Coaches, Wexford Bus, and more). You can save up to 30% on adult fares and up to 50% on young adult and student cards.
By Car or Private Chauffeur
Road trippers, once you’ve booked your vehicle from Discover Cars, get ready for a fun trip!
If you prefer to leave the driving to someone else, our chauffeur Alex of Empire of Luxury was amazing. Always on time, prepared, and courteous, we knew we were in capable and trustworthy hands to get safely from one destination to the next.
By Taxi & Uber
Uber and taxis are available in County Kildare. Local taxis are a more common choice. Uber drivers need to be licenced taxi operators. There’s a taxi app called FreeNow that’s pretty popular with Irish locals. The app is also useful in other European countries. To get an idea of your trip costs, Transport for Ireland has a neat taxi cost estimator on their website.
Other things to note with taxis is that fares are regulated by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and each taxi has a meter. There are additional costs for extra passengers (€1 per adult), children (1 child is free and €1 is added for every 2 children under 12), tolls (see breakdown on your receipt), and pre-booking via phone, app, or in-person (€3).
As of May 2025, Uber and Kildare Village secured a partnership that includes a dedicated pick-up and drop-off spot in the Village, as well as special offers for Kildare Village members and new Uber customers.
By Boat
A really awesome way to see County Kildare is by boat with a company like Barge Trip. They even rent a houseboat where you can stay overnight!
Bonus Google Map
As a bonus for my readers (you!), I’ve created a Google Map of places to eat, stay, and adventure during your time in County Kildare. I’ve included location markers for train stations to help simplify logistics. Add this map to your phone and happy planning, fellow traveller!
Sneak Peek of a Weekend Trip in County Kildare
Have a sneak peek of your weekend in County Kildare, Ireland could look like!
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Helpful Tips for Booking Your Trips
Flights
If you want affordable flights, you must get into the points and miles game. Check out my Travel Coaching services to help Canadians fly for less than a tank of gas!
Car Rentals
To help you explore new destinations, turn to Discover Cars for a huge range of vehicle options and excellent prices.
Accommodation
There are so many options for affordable, comfortable, and unique accommodation. Some of my favourite accommodation options are housesitting and hostels. I’ve been using Trusted Housesitters and Hostelworld for years. If you prefer hotels, then check out Booking.com.
Activities
Get Your Guide is a fantastic resource for different activities to try when travelling. They have everything from walking tours, food tours, tickets to attractions, and multi-day trips, and more. Check out this super cool view I had of Tallinn when I was in Estonia for the Christmas markets in 2023, all because of a Get Your Guide experience. My favourite tour so far that I’ve been on with Get Your Guide is a fantastic walking food tour I did in Dublin. There was a wild twist – you’ll have to read this blog post to find out why!
