The Heritage Centre (also the Town Hall) which marks a key position in the centre of the town, was built for the Duke of Leinster in 1740. As far as we can ascertain, Architect Richard Castle designed it, whose other buildings include Carton House. It is three-storey granite building in Palladian style.

The impressive building has undergone major alterations at least three times in its 250-year history. Its architecture was described by the Irish Architectural Archive as "Robust, massive and Roman in feeling", with a vaulted public market place at ground level, and a first floor assembly room reckoned at one time to have been one of the first public rooms in Co. Kildare.

Around 1846, there were two extensions added - to each side of the original centre section. In 1900, a third storey was added to the centre block. In 1969, part of the back was demolished to make the premises suitable as a fire station. Over the years, the building became dilapidated as timber rot affected the roof and pigeons took up their abode there.

As one of their projects during The European Year of the Environment, Kildare County Council undertook the restoration of Athy Town Hall. The Council financed the building materials. The project, over a period of years, has provided work and training for people from Anco and Social Employment Schemes.All the important architectural features were kept and the interior of the major rooms was eventually restored to their original splendour. Ceilings had to be replaced. Moulds of the plasterwork have made the provision of facsimile features possible.

There is general agreement nowadays, that the preservation of this historic building, which adorns the Square, was a wise and worthwhile exercise. It is now home to Athy Heritage Centre where visitors can see artifacts and video footage which represent Athy during the ages such as the Ernest Shackleton Experience. The Heritage Centre is also a Tourist Information Point and Gift Shop. For further information on the Heritage Centre click here