The best family-friendly hikes and walks around The Municipal District of Athy

A great example of the old stone footbridges that provide crossing points across the Grand Canal. A walk from nearby Athy to Milltown Bridge and back makes for an accessible and enjoyable route.

The Barrow Blueway is a shared use gravel bath next to the Grand Canal - Barrow Line. It's a peaceful and well-maintained path, puncutated by quaint stone foot bridges. Respect other users, especially at busy times like the weekend.

Ballymanus Bridge is a pretty stone footbridge, one of many on the Grand Canal - Barrow Line. Walking the quiet Barrow Blueway between the bridges is a peaceful way to spend a few hours.

There are two waymarked trails in Mullaghreelan Wood; the red Rath Walk and the slightly longer blue O'Tuathaill Walk. The woods are criss crossed with trails and the whole area isn't that big so it's also fun to just wonder and see where you end up. The longest path is the perimeter trail which is about 3 km (1.9 miles).

Athy is a quaint and picturesque town in County Kildare, Ireland, that offers visitors a delightful mix of history, natural beauty, and traditional Irish charm. The town is perhaps best known for White's Castle, a striking 15th-century tower house built to protect the strategic river crossing. Situated on the east bank of the River Barrow, the castle is a prominent feature that adds to Athy's historic atmosphere. The town's centerpiece is the Crom-a-Boo Bridge, a sturdy stone bridge dating back to the late 18th century, which leads directly into the heart of Athy. The bridge, coupled with the river's tranquil flow and the surrounding greenery, creates a serene and scenic environment perfect for a leisurely stroll. Athy's streets are lined with traditional pubs and shops, offering visitors the chance to soak in the typically Irish flair of this small town.

Nestled in the scenic embrace of the Irish southwest, Athym is a small town that whispers the tales of centuries gone by. Steeped in history, this charming enclave is adorned with numerous historical attractions that stand as testaments to its rich past. Wandering through Athym, you'll find yourself transported through time. The cobblestone streets echo with the footsteps of those who came before, and the architecture tells stories of eras long past. Perhaps you'll stumble upon ancient castles, their stones weathered by the passage of time but still echoing with the grandeur of their heyday. In this small town, time slows down, inviting you to savor every moment and appreciate the intricate tapestry of Ireland's cultural heritage. Athym, with its historical allure, is not just a destination but a journey into the heart of Ireland's past.

The Bluebell Forest in Kildare is a mesmerizing natural wonder that blankets the woodland floor with a sea of vibrant bluebells each spring. As the seasons change, this enchanting forest transforms into a magical realm, where sunlight filters through the trees to create a play of shadows and light. Walking through the Bluebell Forest is like stepping into a fairy tale, where the fragrance of flowers mingles with the fresh, earthy scent of the woods. It's a place where nature unfolds its beauty, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the ephemeral magic of this picturesque Kildare woodland.

Discover the fascinating history of both Levistown Lock and Mill on your stroll along Barrow Way. The lock is an important part of the civil engineering heritage of County Kildare and the mill was built in 1791 and produced malt that was brought by barge to the Guinness brewery at St James's Gate in Dublin.