Today, Athy is a busy town with character. Narrow, busy streets crowded with little shops make this the very essence of the Irish country market town. It is dominated by the well preserved 16th century White’s Castle, a rectangular turreted tower that sits imposingly by the bridge over the river Barrow in the heart of the town, built to protect the inhabitants.



Athy is a designated HERITAGE TOWN OF IRELAND and the Heritage Center focuses on the history of Athy and the surrounding area.

An open air market takes place every Sunday from 10am 'til late afternoon in Wallboard, 2 miles from Athy on the Kilberry road. Every thing from a needle to an anchor can be found at this very popular market.



The Grand Canal linking Athy with Dublin was extended to Athy in 1791. With the opening of the railway to Athy in 1846 the Canal fell into disuse. It is now used by pleasure boats and the Canal towpaths now form pleasant walks from Emily Square to Ardreigh and from William Street to Lennon’s Bridge. The woods of Mullragh and Blackwood are all nearby, about 6km from Athy on the third class road to Kildare Town with attractive forest walks and picnic areas.



Athy is a great town to use as a base to travel because it is so central and also has many ammenities locally itself. Locally we have a Tennis Club, Golf Club, Table Tennis Club, Badminton Club, Swimming Pool, Heritage Centre, Athy Golf Club, Par 3 golf course, Driving Range, Great choice of restaurants, Canals, Paintball Shooting, Indoor Bowls Centre, Rivers and much more.