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A River Boat’s Blog

Things to do in Athy – 2025

Things to do in Athy – 2025

Explore and Experience Athy Sitting pretty on the banks of the River Barrow in County Kildare, Ireland, Athy is a charming town that boasts a rich history, scenic landscapes, and a welcoming...

Woodstock Castle in Athy

Woodstock Castle in Athy

Woodstock Castle, Athy Woodstock Castle, located on the west bank of river Barrow in Athy, County Kildare, is a Norman stone castle constructed in the late 13th century. Its strategic position along...

Towns to Visit in County Kilkenny

Towns to Visit in County Kilkenny

Exploring the Charming Towns of Kilkenny Sitting in the heart of Ireland's sunny South East, Kilkenny is a county that effortlessly blends rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant...

The Black Abbey

The Black Abbey

The Black Abbey in Kilkenny   A Must-Visit Historical Site The Black Abbey, located in the charming city of Kilkenny, Ireland, is a historical and architectural marvel that dates back to the...

Spotting Cormorants on the Nore

Spotting Cormorants on the Nore

Cormorants: A Guide for the Nore As the sun dances on the tranquil waters of the River Nore, keen observers may catch sight of a fascinating avian resident: the cormorant (Phalacrocorax Carbo)....

Green’s Bridge in Kilkenny: A Historic Gem

Green’s Bridge in Kilkenny: A Historic Gem

Green's Bridge Through Time Green's Bridge, also known as Greensbridge, stands as an elegant testament to both architectural prowess and civil engineering heritage. Sited in the heart of Kilkenny,...

Kingfishers on the Nore

Kingfishers on the Nore

Spotting Kingfishers Among the inhabitants of the river Nore, the Kingfisher bird stands out as a jewel of the waterways. On our boat trips, we explore the fascinating world of these iridescent...

Made Of Athy

Made Of Athy

Made of Athy – The Music Trail The Backdrop The Made of Athy Music Trail is a unique initiative by local man Colm Walsh and Kildare County Council. It's a celebration of the rich musical heritage of...

Kilkenny’s Top 10 Historical sites

Kilkenny’s Top 10 Historical sites

The top 10 historical sites to visit in county Kilkenny County Kilkenny, nestled in the heart of the province of Leinster, boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. From medieval castles to...

The Grand Canal by John Reid

The Grand Canal by John Reid

John Reid, a native of Athy, spent his younger years by the banks of the Grand Canal. His experiences and memories have been beautifully remembered in this song by him, “THE GRAND CANAL”

Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle

A brief history and overview of Kilkenny Castle which sits on the river Nore in Kilkenny City, Ireland.

Carlow Castle

Carlow Castle

An brief overview of the history of Carlow Castle which stands on the banks of the beautiful river Barrow.

All Aboard with Eugene Doyle & Cliff Reid

All Aboard with Eugene Doyle & Cliff Reid

CRKC’s Eugene Doyle joins Cliff Reid aboard a Boat Trip in Kilkenny.Community Radio Kilkenny City Interview with Clifford Reid Eugene Doyle, the familiar voice of a Friday evening and Saturday...

Source of the Barrow

Source of the Barrow

Start of the Barrow The actual source of the River Barrow is above Glenbarrow on Barna mountain in the Slieve Blooms, County Laois. The second longest river in Ireland, the Barrow for most people...

Beer Gardens in Kilkenny

Beer Gardens in Kilkenny

Popular Beer Gardens in Kilkenny City After you’ve explored the charming city of Kilkenny via our boat trip, there is no better way to relax on a summers evening than in one of the city's many...

Map of Kilkenny

Map of Kilkenny

Discovering Kilkenny: A Journey Through the City with Tourism and Walking Maps Click the links here are for Tourism/Walking maps that may be useful in exploring medieval city. Download Kilkenny City...

Petronilla de Meath

Petronilla de Meath

The Forgotten Victim of Witch-Trial Hysteria Petronilla de Meath, an obscure figure from the annals of history, has a tragic story that is both fascinating and horrifying. Born around 1300,...

Top Pubs to visit in Kilkenny

Top Pubs to visit in Kilkenny

Popular bars to visit in Kilkenny Having gotten a feel for the city by either taking a tour on our boats or explored the city on foot, get ready for the nightlife of Kilkenny to awaken. As the sun...

Otters in the River Nore

Otters in the River Nore

Nore Otters: A Tale of Resilience and Adaptation The River Nore, a gem of a river that flows through the heart of Ireland, is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Among its inhabitants, one creature...

Top Cafés in Kilkenny

Top Cafés in Kilkenny

Kilkenny's Top Cafés Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Kilkenny City is not only renowned for its medieval charm and historical landmarks but also for its vibrant café culture. Whether you're a...

Dilly Dally Café

Dilly Dally Café

Dilly-Dallying on the Blueway With the Barrow Blueway now mostly completed, the Grand canal continues to see increased footfall and cycling traffic. This is particularly the case along the stretch...

The Top Restaurants of Kilkenny

The Top Restaurants of Kilkenny

Dining Out in Kilkenny Kilkenny offers a diverse dining experience that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Here are some of the most reviewed and highly rated restaurants in Kilkenny....

Whites Castle, Athy

Whites Castle, Athy

Whites Castle   The Historical Heart of Athy At the heart of Athy in County Kildare, Ireland, stands the imposing structure that is Whites Castle. This 16th-century tower house is built on the...

Kilkenny’s Top Festivals

Kilkenny’s Top Festivals

Embracing Culture and Celebration: Kilkenny's Top Festivals Kilkenny is a city that pulsates with history, culture, and a vibrant spirit. Beyond its medieval architecture and scenic landscapes,...

Is Kilkenny worth visiting?

Is Kilkenny worth visiting?

Reasons to visit Kilkenny! Kilkenny, a city in Ireland, is definitely worth seeing for various reasons. It is known for its rich history, medieval architecture, cultural attractions, and vibrant...

Irelands Top Boat Tours

Irelands Top Boat Tours

Navigating Ireland's Beauty: Top Boat Tours for an Unforgettable Experience Ireland's stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture make it a top destination for travellers seeking a unique...

Hiring: Boat Tour Guides

Hiring: Boat Tour Guides

Would you like to work with us at BoatTrips.ie ? If you fancy joining Cliff, Ann Marie and Helder to work on the boats in Kilkenny this summer, have a read below and get in contact. We are looking...

Romantic Escapes in Kilkenny City

Romantic Escapes in Kilkenny City

Romantic things to do in Kilkenny At the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, Kilkenny City effortlessly weaves together a tapestry of medieval architecture, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene....

Bookshops in Kilkenny

Bookshops in Kilkenny

Discovering the Literary Treasures: Bookshops in Kilkenny City Kilkenny, with its cobbled streets and historic charm, is a city that beckons book lovers. Nestled along the River Nore, this medieval...

Weather in Kilkenny, Ireland

Weather in Kilkenny, Ireland

Weather In Kilkenny & What Clothes To Wear   Spring (March - May) Kilkenny experiences mild temperatures during spring, ranging from 8°C to 16°C. Expect occasional rain showers, so it's...

Ten Unusual Activities in Kilkenny City

Ten Unusual Activities in Kilkenny City

Discover the Quirky Side of Kilkenny: 10 Unusual Activities to Explore in the Heart of Ireland Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Kilkenny City is renowned for its rich history, medieval architecture,...

Coffee Stop at Milford

Coffee Stop at Milford

Barrow Brew Café Established by sisters Majella Owens and Nicola Doyle, Barrow Brew continues to grow in both customers and size on the banks of the beautiful river Barrow at Milford, Carlow....

Interview: Clifford Reid on KCLR

Interview: Clifford Reid on KCLR

KCLR fm: Clifford Reid and the river NoreSounds and chat of the river Edwina Grace joined us recently on one of our boat trips through the medieval city of Kilkenny. It was great to catch up and...

Maintenance Work at Moorings

Maintenance Work at Moorings

Riverbank Maintenance Boat users in Athy wish to extend its gratitude and thanks to Brian Kenny and the local team at Tús for the fantastic ongoing work in helping to keep our waterways looking...

Waterways Murals

Waterways Murals

New Murals of Local Biodiversity A number of new Waterways themed murals have appears on the walls of several buildings in Athy in recent months. These are a collaboration between Creative Places...

Interview: Clifford Reid & River Barrow

Interview: Clifford Reid & River Barrow

Waterways Through Time Podcast - Turtle Bunbury & Clifford ReidSecrets of the Barrow with Clifford Reid I was interviewed by historian, Turtle Bunbury, recently for the Waterways Ireland...

Designate Sandy Bottoms as Swimming Area

Designate Sandy Bottoms as Swimming Area

Sandy Bottoms –  Swimming Area Kildare County Council currently have no designated Bathing Waters area for swimming etc within the county. Carlow have several designated spots on the Barrow, and...

Silting at moorings in Carlow

Silting at moorings in Carlow

Silting at Boat Pontoon I would like to remind all boating visitors to the Barrow that silting continues to be an issue at the jetty in Carlow town. All vessels stopping off in Carlow are advised to...

MurtAthy Walking Sticks

MurtAthy Walking Sticks

Have you a MurtAthy Walking Stick? Martin Reid, known to his many friends simply as Murt, is my father and this blog post is about him and the walking sticks he makes. As a hobby, Murt likes to...

Grand Canal Packing Stable

Grand Canal Packing Stable

Saving of old Grand Canal Packing Stable It is great to see the remedial works carried out by Boormalt (formally Minch Malt) on the old Grand Canal Packing Stable in Athy, Co. Kildare. This...

Levitstown Mill

Levitstown Mill

History of Levitstown mill Levitstown Mill was built in 1791. It is a seven-story building, now derelict having burnt down on the 14th of March 1942. It is seven bays wide and three bays deep. It...

Horse Bridge

Horse Bridge

The Horsebridge The Horsebridge in Athy was built in 1796 to allow horse drawn boats to leave the 28th lock on the Barrow-line of the Grand canal and to cross to the east back of the river Barrow...

Tribute to John Shaughnessy RIP

Tribute to John Shaughnessy RIP

Memorial seat for John Shaughnessy RIP Last summer, the waterways and community of Athy lost a dear friend in John Shaughnessy RIP. Not only was John a great campaigner and advocate for the...

About the river Barrow

About the river Barrow

Common questions about the river Barrow The following are some of the most common questions we get asked while doing our boat trips on the river Barrow. Hopefully they might be of interest or useful...

Athy Boat Tours – EOI

Athy Boat Tours – EOI

EOI sought for Athy Boat Tours Athy Community Enterprise Centre (Athy CEC) is currently inviting Expressions Of Interest from suitably qualified and experienced businesses, individuals or community...

Life Jackets for Dogs

Life Jackets for Dogs

Dogs Wearing Life Jackets As dog owners ourselves, we love to see dogs out and about on the water and enjoying the boating life. Therefore, we offer customers the opportunity to bring their K9...

Toberara Holy Well & Graveyard

Toberara Holy Well & Graveyard

Tubberarra (Toberara, Tuberara, Tobbera or Toberrara) Toberara Well is located on the banks of the river Barrow, just north of Athy in Co. Kildare. St. John is the patron saint and his feast day is...

Boat Trip with the Carlow Nationalist

Boat Trip with the Carlow Nationalist

Interview with the Carlow Nationalist Many thanks to Elizabeth Lee of the Carlow Nationalist for joining us on a boat trip during heritage week, last year. This is the lovely write up she did about...

Kildare County Development Plan Submission

Kildare County Development Plan Submission

Cycleway/Walkway/Canoe Route & Riparian Barrier for the river Barrow I believe my submission best relates to the following sections. However, if it’s deemed more appropriate to another...

Over 100 Things To Do In Carlow

Over 100 Things To Do In Carlow

Visitor Attractions in County Carlow On our boat trips, we are often asked for suggestions for things to do in Carlow. In truth, there are loads of things to do and places to see in the county....

River Pollution Levels – Have Your Say

River Pollution Levels – Have Your Say

Draft River Basin Management Plan - Public Consultation The upcoming online meetings are part of the Public Consultation process for the Draft River Basin Management Plan. If you want to have your...

Business on the Barrow Blueway

Business on the Barrow Blueway

Setting Up On The Barrow Blueway With the Barrow Blueway nearing completion, it’s not a bad time to be looking at opportunities that might arise from this. Many people often ask about setting up a...

Things to do in Borris, Carlow

Things to do in Borris, Carlow

Tourist attractions and things to do in Borris, Carlow. Here is simple list of visitors attractions and things to do in Borris, county Carlow. Hopefully you find it useful. I've included links to...

Interview with Irish Bootstrapper

Interview with Irish Bootstrapper

Interview with Eugene Devereux from the Irish Bootstrapper This just popped up in my timeline again recently. Last year, Eugene from Irish Bootstrapper had me in for a chat about our boat trips. It...

Things To Do In Tullow

Things To Do In Tullow

A list of visitor attractions and things to do in Tullow, Carlow. Below is a simple alphabetic list of “stuff to do” in Tullow, county Carlow. I hope its of use and that you enjoy your time in...

Outside Activities in Kilkenny

Outside Activities in Kilkenny

Activities to do Outside / Outdoors in Kilkenny After Covid19, we are all very conscious of finding things to do with the family that are both safe and enjoyable. Therefore, I've put together a list...

Job Opportunity at BoatTrips.ie

Job Opportunity at BoatTrips.ie

Tour Guide / Boat Skipper Details: Full-Time for summer of 2022 (June, July & August)   Pay: €600 per week (5 days)   Job Description: We are looking to hire a Tour guide/Boat Skipper...

The Thirteenth Lock by Arthur Griffith

The Thirteenth Lock by Arthur Griffith

The Thirteenth Lock by Arthur Griffith Every night of the year about twelve of the clock,The spirits and spooks of the dread Thirteenth LockSit swinging their bodies a-this and that wayAnd singing...

List of Kilkenny’s Playgrounds

List of Kilkenny’s Playgrounds

Kilkenny Playgrounds Many of the families that come out with us on the boat trip are often looking for different playgrounds around Kilkenny. Some often want to visit a different one each day of...

100 Things To Do In Kilkenny

100 Things To Do In Kilkenny

Over 100 Attractions In Kilkenny Below is an alphabetical list of over 100 "tourist attractions" or "things to do" in county Kilkenny.  With the numerous websites recommending the same “top 10...

Kilkenny’s Walks, Parks & Forests

Kilkenny’s Walks, Parks & Forests

Walks, Parks, Woods, Forests, Gardens and Hikes in Kilkenny Below is a list of walking routes, parks, woods and gardens in county Kilkenny. If you're like me and you love getting out for a ramble,...

Kilkenny Golf Courses and Clubs

Kilkenny Golf Courses and Clubs

Golf Courses & Clubs in Kilkenny The following is a list of the various golf courses and clubs in county Kilkenny. I'm popping it here as a blog post as its one of the most popular questions we...

List of Tipperary Boat Tours

List of Tipperary Boat Tours

List of Tipperary's Boat Trips, Boat Tours, Boating Adventures and Cruises The following is a list of various trip boat operators available in County Tipperary, Ireland. Tipperary has some fantastic...

Things to do in Freshford

Things to do in Freshford

A list of things to do in Freshford, County Kilkenny. Below is a simple list of tourist attractions and things to do in Freshford, county Kilkenny. I've put together this simple list as most...

Barrow Boating by Ann Marie Dunne

Barrow Boating by Ann Marie Dunne

Barrow Boating (after Du Fu) by Ann Marie Dunne The following is poem by BoatTrips.ie Skipper, Ann Marie Dunne. It has been recognised and printed in a number of publications to date and Ann Marie...

The River Barrow Pike

The River Barrow Pike

The Barrow Pike - A short story. Her left eye slowly rolled and scouted the faint whirls of activity from upstream. Slumbering deep in the still eddie beneath central arch, the March sun warmed her...

Waterways College

Waterways College

Irish Waterways Ecology Ambassadors Recently I took part in an eight week training course run in Graiguenamanagh aimed at becoming a Waterways Ecology Ambassador. Run from the newly established...

Things to do in Castlecomer, Kilkenny

Things to do in Castlecomer, Kilkenny

A list of tourist attractions and things to do in Castlecomer Castlecomer is a beautiful little town in north county Kilkenny. It has a population of about fifteen hundred people and a number of...

The Barrow Cot

The Barrow Cot

My First Boat - The Barrow Cot Dedicated to the memory of my good friend and the gent that taught me to fish, Nicky Cahill RIP.  Tied off at the jetty was an old colourless boat we named the...

Canoeing in Kilkenny

Canoeing in Kilkenny

Canoeing & Kayaking in Kilkenny Kilkenny boasts one of the most active and successful kayaking and canoeing clubs in Ireland, that being Kilkenny Aqua Canoe Club. Catering for numerous...

Questions on the river Nore

Questions on the river Nore

Common questions about the river Nore. Where does the river Nore rise? How long is the river Nore? How fast is the river Nore? Is the river Nore Tidal? Can I canoe/Kayak the river Nore? How deep is the river Nore?

Source of the River Nore

Source of the River Nore

The river Nore rises in the Devils Bit mountain in County Tipperary. However, some argue over the exact location of the true source with the two main suggestions being at Gorteenashingaun or Benduff. Going on local knowledge, it is suggested that Gorteenashingaun it the start of the Nore. This is a little piece about our adventure tracing the Nore’s source.

Athy Waterways

Athy Waterways

Athy Waterways Development Committee The following is information for those visiting Athy by boat or wishing to to take part in activities on its waterways. The members of Athy Waterways Development...

The Barrow Boys – Easter 1916

The Barrow Boys – Easter 1916

The Barrow Boys – a short coming of age story about the men who worked the barges of the Barrow Navigation and Barrowline canal. Inspired by the Barrow boatmen and in particular, Mr Stephen Bolger RIP, who at the age of 11 found himself stranded in Dublin due to the Easter Rising in 1916.

Boating for Pike on the river Barrow

Boating for Pike on the river Barrow

The lucky waters of Tubberrara Well and Graveyard Ship's Blog, - Earth Date 01-04-21The Faoileán and its trusted Four Stroke, 6 HP Mercury engine made a return to the Barrow yesterday. Aboard were...

A bevy of Pheasants aboard

A bevy of Pheasants aboard

A bevy or bouquet of Pheasants This is my favourite time of year for spotting Pheasants, particularly the males. Their colours take on a renewed vibrancy as they round up a bouquet of hens for the...

Mincéir Men & Horses at Kellyville

Mincéir Men & Horses at Kellyville

Mincéir Men, Horses and Kellyville Lake. Today witnessed a few brave men from the travelling community taking to the water at Kellyville lake in county Laois to wash their horses and exercise them...

List of Offaly Boat Tours

List of Offaly Boat Tours

List of Offaly's Boat Trips / Tours, Boating Adventures and Cruises As can be seen below, there is only one tour boat operator listed as providing boat trips in county Offaly, Ireland. If you decide...

List of Galway Boat Tours

List of Galway Boat Tours

List of Galway's Boating Adventures, Sea Safaris, Trips / Tours and Cruises Galway is a great tourist destination. That goes with out saying. However, it is also a fantastic spot to just visit,...

List of Kerry Boat Tours

List of Kerry Boat Tours

List of Kerry's Boat Trips / Tours, Sea Safaris, Boating Adventures and Cruises County Kerry has by far the most amount of boat trips, tours, cruises and sea safaris in Ireland. If its on the water,...

List of Leitrim Boat Tours

List of Leitrim Boat Tours

List of Leitrim's Boat Trips / Tours, Boating Adventures and Cruises Below is a list of Boat Tours currently available in county Leitrim. While the list is quit short, I hope its of use to you in...

List of Mayo Boat Tours

List of Mayo Boat Tours

List of Mayo's Boat Trips Sea Safaris, Boat Tours, Boating Adventures and Cruises The following is a list of various tour boat operators available in County Mayo, Ireland. Mayo is a beautiful part...

List of Meath Boat Tours

List of Meath Boat Tours

List of Meath's Boat Trips I am very saddened to learn that Boyne Boats Ltd. has ceased trading. I would like to wish Ross and the team all the best in the future. They will be sadly missed on the...

List of Roscommon Boat Tours

List of Roscommon Boat Tours

List of Roscommon's Boat Trips Roscommon is an excellent county to enjoy the water. I'm a regular visitor to the county and never miss an opportunity to do a spot of fishing, boating or kayaking in...

List of Sligo Boat Tours

List of Sligo Boat Tours

A list of Sligo's Boat Trips, Tours, Cruises, Boating Adventures, Rides & Sea Safaris. Below is a list of boating experiences, adventures, turs and rides that you can find in county Sligo in...

List of Wicklow Boat Tours

List of Wicklow Boat Tours

List of Wicklow's Boat Tours, Boat Rides, Adventures, Sea Safaris and Trips Always voted as one of the most scenic counties in Ireland, it is a little unfortunate that there is only one tour boat...

List of Wexford Boat Tours

List of Wexford Boat Tours

List of Wexford's Boat Tours, Boat Rides, Adventures, Sea Safaris and Trips For a beautiful county like Wexford with such a long coastline also, it was surprising to find only one tour boat operator...

List of Westmeath Boat Tours

List of Westmeath Boat Tours

List of Westmeath's Boat Tours, Boat Rides, Adventures and Trips There is always plenty to do on the river Shannon and in particular, taking a boat trip is highly recommended. Westmeath, with its...

List of Waterford Boat Tours

List of Waterford Boat Tours

List of Waterford's Boat Trips, Sea Safaris, Boat Rides, Adventures and Tours Below is a list of all the boat tour operators provide trips within the county of Waterford in Ireland. There are...

List of Fermanagh Boat Tours

List of Fermanagh Boat Tours

A list of Fermanagh's Boat Trips, Tours, Cruises, Boating Adventures and Rides  Fermanagh in my opinion, is one of the nicest counties on the island of Ireland. You will not meet nicer people...

List of Donegal Boat Tours

List of Donegal Boat Tours

Donegal – a List of Boat Rides, Boat Tours, Cruises, Boat Trips, Boating Adventures & Sea Safaris in County Donegal, Ireland

Whooper Swans on River Barrow

Whooper Swans on River Barrow

Whooper Swans - Dunrally, River Barrow Last October saw the return to the Barrow of our Icelandic friends once more for their annual winter holiday. Just north of the Dunrally Viking Long-port site...

Guided Tours of Kilkenny City

Guided Tours of Kilkenny City

A list of guided tours available in Kilkenny City. There is something to suit everybody including, walking, cycling, food, historical, ghost tours, boat tours, segway, and road trains to name a few. The list goes on……

Winter Fun at Boat Trips Ireland

Winter Fun at Boat Trips Ireland

Traditional Irish Open-Boats Its been a very busy winter carrying out the maintenance and upkeep of our boats. All boats are wooden traditional Irish Open-Boats. They were originally built by the...

Athy Town – Waterways Tourism

Athy Town – Waterways Tourism

A submission on boating, waterways development, water based tourism and environment protection regarding the next Athy Town Development Plan.

A day Pike fishing on the river Barrow

A day Pike fishing on the river Barrow

Trawling for Pike on the river Barrow With the easing of restrictions, myself and John Creaney took the opportunity to take to the river in the smaller boat. On several days in January, numerous...

Athy Boat Trips

Athy Boat Trips

Athy Boat Trip We'd a fantastic trip today as we headed up river to Athy in county Kildare. On route we took in the river Barrow's 'Haunted lock' at Bestfield, the beautiful mill at Levitstown and...

Maganey Boat Trip

Maganey Boat Trip

End of summer boat trip to Maganey Thursday evening we had our last 3hr evening trip of the summer. The autumn is drawing in and its getting darker that little bit earlier so the 3hr trips tend to...

Peacocks Crossing!!!

Peacocks Crossing!!!

When you meet a couple of Peacocks out and about on the main road in Graiguecullen, on the border of counties Laois and Carlow.

In the Newspapers

In the Newspapers

Newspaper article and pictures in the Nationalist thanks to Michael O’Rourke. Taken while we were at the Float to the Fleadh in Bagenalstown.

Three Castles to Castlecomer

Three Castles to Castlecomer

A drive around county Kilkenny- Three Castles to Castlecomer 10-03-2019 With traditional March weather forecast, we left the boat moored and took to the van for a road trip following some of the...

Milford in October

Milford in October

We had a couple of beautiful tours down stream on the river Barrow to the picture perfect Milford.