Seven Scenic Walks In Kildare

 

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Just a five-minute drive from Rathangan Village lies the beautiful and relatively undiscovered Killinthomas Woods. Filled with bluebells in the spring and and orange floor of foliage in the autumn, there are options for both short and long walks, all starting and ending in the carpark.

There are signposts dotted all over the trails, making this 10km walk easy to navigate for visitors. Walkers can enjoy the diverse ecosystem of the wood, with a wide variety of flora and fauna.

 

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Discover the great outdoors with a meander around the breathtaking parklands of Castletown House! Open year-round, the parklands boast stunning trails and river walks, and is totally free to enter.

Steeped in history, the park is home to an array of native flora and fauna, so keep your eyes peeled in the trees, rivers and lakes!

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With three separate walking trails, all ranging from 1km to 6km, there is something to suit all ages here.

For a short afternoon stroll, follow the Lake Walk, which loops around waterlily-filled lake and takes no more than half an hour. The Nature Trail is just under 2km, which winds its way through some of the dramatic architecture of the estate. For more ambitious walkers, the Aylmer Walk is a 6km Slí na Slainte trail which brings walkers all around the park.

 

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Enjoy a weekend stroll along the banks of one of Ireland’s most historical rivers, the River Barrow. With something of interest at every turn on this 200-year-old towpath, this river is the perfect companion for anyone walking or cycling along the Barrow Way.

Experience the flora and fauna dotted along its banks, the lovely locks and stunning old lock-keepers cottages.

An audio guide is available with over two hours worth of listening, filled with stories and information on ancient kings of Leinster, the Devil’s eyebrow, the miniature cathedral of St Laserian and more.

 

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A similar route to the Barrow Way, this scenic linear walk is great for those who want to grab a coffee and just keep walking. Walking as far as you like, you can then easily hop on public transport to take you back to your starting point.

There are a number of significant examples of late-eighteenth century industrial archaeology to admire along the way, including the Ryewater Aquaduct which takes the canal high over the Rye river, and which took six years to build.

 

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Admire the beautiful foliage on an easy-breezy Sunday stroll along the Athy Slí. Starting from the courthouse (built in 1857) by the River Barrow, this 2.5km walk runs side-by-side the river, up the Barrow Path, passing St Michael’s Church of Ireland, under the Horse Bridge and Railway Bridge, and along the Canal Path.

This circular route can be walked in either direction and is great for walking furry friends, pushing strollers, or simply to get out for 30-minutes to enjoy the February sunshine.

Nestled in Ireland’s Ancient East is St Brigid’s Trail, the heart of Christianity origins in Ireland.

The remarkable story of St Brigid, Ireland’s beloved female patron saint, and her time in Kildare is highlighted throughout the St Brigid’s Trail as you take in some of Kildare Town’s best-known landmarks.

The trail begins at the Kildare Heritage Centre on Market Square where visitors can watch an audio- visual presentation on St Brigid. The trail then takes you on a journey through St Brigid’s Cathedral, St Brigid’s Church and of course the Solas Bhríde Centre which is dedicated to the spiritual legacy of St Brigid and its relevance for our time. The final spot on the tour is the ancient St Brigid’s Well on Tully Road, where visitors can while away a peaceful hour.