A glorious blend of old and new; Kildare is one of the most exciting places to visit in Ireland where everybody and anybody is very warmly welcomed. The surrounding towns and villages offer a patchwork of visitor experiences including quaint market towns, traditional pubs and beautiful green spaces and waterways to be explored on foot or bike.
Make the most of the great outdoors. Follow the historic canal towpaths on a pictorial trail through County Kildare. With a selection of routes to choose from, there is something for all levels of walker and cyclist. Heritage sites and riverside scenery abound, so make sure to take some time out to explore these scenic and serene walks, trails and boardwalks. Discover the hidden treasures of Kildare.
The route is an informal linear walk punctuated by the locks that characterise the canal, carefully restored surviving lock-keepers cottages and the towns and villages whose existence is owed to the trade and commerce the canal brought in the 18th and 19th centuries. Much of the landscape through which the routes pass are untouched by modern agriculture and remain a perfect oasis for the flora and fauna that was originally common throughout our countryside. The many towns and villages along the way provide walkers with accommodation possibilities along the route, and as public transport options are good, these places can act as starting and finishing points for those who want to sample only sections of the trails.
Once corridors of commerce the canals are now avenues of amenity. Pleasure boaters and canoeists enjoy the still waters while on the banks anglers, artists, walkers and cyclists find pleasure and relaxation in the tranquility of the canalside environment.
In our illustrated guide to the County’s Canal blueways and greenways for walkers and cyclists, you will find directions and commentary on 120km of canal side walking routes within Co. Kildare.
For County Kildare’s Tow Path Trails illustrated guide, please click here.