History

Athy, situated in the south of Co. Kildare, is a market town on the convergence of the River Barrow and Grand Canal. The town is named after a second century chieftain, Ae, who was killed on the river crossing thus giving the town its name the ford of AE or in Irish Baile Átha Í.

The town developed from a 12th century Anglo-Norman settlement to an important military outpost on the border of the pale. The first town charter dates from the 16th century and the town hall was constructed in the early 18th century. The completion of the Grand Canal in 1791 and arrival of the railway in 1846 illustrates the importance of the town as a commercial center.

Of the many church ruins in Athy, St. Michael's is perhaps the most ancient. It was built in the fourteenth century. Some of the vestry and sidewalls have disappeared, but there is still some of the original church remaining. The dedication to St. Michael is derived from the St. Michael family who were lords of Athy and it is quite probable that it was this family who were the founders of the church.

The 15th century White Castle is now a private residence and unfortunately there are no public visits or tours.
Athy also has coarse, salmon and trout fishing on the Grand Canal and the River Barrow. Places to stay include the many B&Bs around the town, Forest Farm and Ballindrum House are but two of those available.