About Athy: - a heritage town in south Kildare, situated on the intersection of the River Barrow and the Grand Canal. The town developed from a 12th century Anglo-Norman settlement and has many beautiful landmark monuments. The Heritage Centre, situated in the main town square, provides a wealth of information to all visitors and doubles as a local history museum. There are several important festivals in Athy throughout the year, namely the Water Festival (May), Gordon Bennett Vintage Motor Rally (June), the Kildare Agricultural Show and Athy Bluegrass Festival (July) and the Ernest Shackleton Autumn School (October). Tuesdays are market day in Athy and every Sunday there is also a picturesque Farmers Market in the main town square, with locally grown produce and crafts on sale. There is also a number of quality restaurants in the town, as well as traditional Irish pubs and a good selection of shops.
Activities on our farm: FISHING/ROWING - The Barrow runs adjacent to our farm and offers fishing enthusiasts enjoyment all year round, with plenty of pike, bream and roach available. Guests can enjoy our picnic hampers on the river bank! FAUNA AND FLORA - ours is a visitor friendly farm and guests are welcome to roam through the fields and enjoy the countryside at close hand. There are many beautiful old trees dotted through the farm and a wide variety of wildlife and domestic animals to be seen: pheasants, rabbits, hares, hens, ducks, cows, a horse and a donkey. And while you're at it, don't forget to close your eyes and enjoy the magnificent bird song, particularly if you didn't get up to hear the Dawn Chorus at day break..
Other local activities: All of these and many more are available either in Athy or within a short distance drive: GOLF - see details below. FISHING - the River Barrow and the Grand Canal offer fishing enthusiasts enjoyment all year round, with plenty of pike, bream and roach available. There are also trout fishing lakes nearby. HORSE RACING -The Curragh, Naas and Punchestown are the nearest racecourses and host monthly meetings. GREYHOUND RACING - a cheaper and exciting alternative to horse racing. Races take place in Newbridge every Friday and Saturday night. MOTOR RACING - for 'would-be Schumachers' at Mondello Park Racing Circuit. PAINT BALLING - a fun filled experience you'll never forget! Available in Stradbally. SOMETHING WE DIDN'T MENTION? If there is any other activity that you are particularly interested in, just ask and we will be happy to make enquiries for you!
Golf:
GOLF - three of Ireland's best courses are located within a 30-45 minute drive from our cottage: The K Club (venue for the Ryder Cup 2006 Matches), the PGA National Ireland and Carton House. In the town, Athy Golf Club and Cardenton House Par 3 offer a fair test of golf to all categories of players, while Kilkea Castle Golf Course is a short 10 minute drive away and is well liked for the immaculate condition of its tees and greens.
Learn more about this holiday rental at the owner's website:
