People
of virtually all ages and levels of fitness can enjoy
walking canal towpaths. Route finding is straightforward
and there are no hills to climb. Monasterevin is on the
Barrow Line, one of three lines of canals in Co Kildare.
In early days the boats would have been drawn by
carthorses; little evidence remains of them today but you
may be lucky and spot a tethering post or ring on your
travels.
The walk south from Rathangan to Monasterevin is 13km
or 7.75 miles and passes Spencer's Bridge named
after the local landlord who was piked to death in the
Rebellion. A prettier site is the thatched cottage at
Umeras Bridge and a double lock at McCartneys
Bridge.
The Ballykelly Mill was built to make use of the
ease of transport offered by the newly built canal. The
engineering features and bridges seen during your walk to
Monasterevin reflect the historical importance of
distilling and milling for the town.
The gem of the canal features at Monasterevin is the
lifting bridge; it is the largest and most complex on
the Barrow Line. For two hundred years the bridge used to
be cranked by hand but today it is electrically operated.
The "blind bridge" in the town, is so called
because its arches are blocked and the new line of the
Barrow makes use of the aqueduct. Locals say that twelve
bridges can be counted from a given point.
Continuing South to Athy is 14 miles or 22.5km. We pass by
the abandoned Mountmellick Branch and through
surrounding farmlands. The Grattan aqueduct was
built under the supervision of the engineer, Richard
Evans, in 1790. The path soon leads to the pretty
picturesque canal side village of Vicarstown. After
Cardington Lock, look for the workhouse and the adjoining
cemetery, reminders of the great famines and hardship
endured by country people in the 19th Century.
Athy's historic importance is reflected by the number
of warehouses, loading bays and dry dock. Today, like all
other towns, the road is the favoured means of transport.
The last lock on the canal is just past the old Athy
glassworks and is where the canal merges with the River
Barrow.
But do come back to the Hazel Hotel site for other
information on this lovely part of Ireland. You can do
this by clicking the "Back" arrow at the top left hand
corner of your browser screen. Also, you may find it
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From the moment you check in...
...our staff are on hand to provide you with an excellent service.
People
of virtually all ages and levels of fitness can enjoy
walking canal towpaths. Route finding is straightforward
and there are no hills to climb. Monasterevin is on the
Barrow Line, one of three lines of canals in Co Kildare.
