Accommodation/Tourist Information

There is a growing availability of B&B accommodation in the county (see main menu, left).   Local enquiry will help identify facilities in the towns and villages along the canal bank which will serve the walker spending a couple of days in the area.

Canalside Reading

The history and modern geography of the canal system has been well documented by a number of fine guides and books.  The  Guide to the Grand Canal of Ireland by Ruth Delaney, published by the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland and the similar format Guide to the Royal Canal of Ireland published by the Office of Public Works and the IWAI are essential references for anybody walking the canal banks.  Although intended primarily for those navigating by water they are equally valuable for the walker.

A range of other recent books on the history  of the canal system can be found in most libraries and bookshops.  For commentary on Kildare's landmarks we recommend Guide to Kildare & West Wicklow edited by Con Costello, published by the Leinster Leader Ltd., Naas, Co Kildare.

Signs and Maps

The walking routes described here are complemented on the ground by signs erected at most bridge crossings indicating 'The Grand Canal Way' and the 'Royal Canal Way'.  Take note that in a few exceptional cases we have for reasons of safety or convenience recommended in the text a route slightly different from that indicated by the signs.  Small black posts with a walking figure which you may encounter were erected to indicate the separate Kildare Way walking trail which takes in bogland, open country and woods as well as some canal sections.

The waterway network in Co Kildare  can be related to the road system and town locations by studying the Irish Ordnance Survey's Sheet 16 map which is printed at a scale of 1:126,720. Irish National Grid references: Leixlip (Cope Bridge), O 01 36; Lowtown Junction, N 78 25; Athy S 68