Vicarstown

Enjoy an easy, linear 10.5 km trail between Vicarstown and Athy along the picturesque banks of the canal, traversing woods, forestry, fields and hedgerows, before finishing up in the vibrant town of Athy. 

Walk south along the Barrow Way from Vicarstown, along the right bank of the canal. As you walk, you’ll pass a bench commemorating the poet Patrick Kavanagh, inscribed with lines from his famous poem: ‘And Look! A barge comes bringing from Athy/ And other far flung towns mythologies.’ 

Take a moment to admire the scenery, before continuing along the towpath as it crosses a substantial aqueduct over the lush green Stradbally River. Then, you’ll pass Ballymanus Bridge, as the canal skirts woods and forestry. There’s a mink farm on the west bank of the canal, just beyond the bridge.

As you walk, you’ll pass rich green fields and hedgerows of alder, willow and elder, as the canal landscape is slowly enveloped by large tillage fields.

Soon, the canal passes under Milltown Bridge. If you climb up to the bridge, you can enjoy stunning views of Bert House, an imposing Georgian mansion. The River Barrow flows peacefully between the house and the canal.

As you walk beyond the bridge, the towpath can be overgrown – there’s the option to follow the road here instead, before rejoining the canal towpath up ahead through a gate. 

You’ll then pass several bridges before following a tree-lined avenue into Athy (from the Irish Ath-Ae, meaning the Ford of Ae), passing new and old industrial buildings as you walk. The Barrow Line of the canal ends ahead, with the Barrow Way joining the Barrow River. Explore the pretty town of Athy before continuing your adventure.