On tonight's episode of Tracks and Trails, acclaimed soprano Celine Byrne and presenter Doireann Ní Ghlacáin take a serene and beautiful walk alongside the Barrow Blueway from the town of Monasterevin to the village of Robertstown.
This is a gentle, meditative journey through the heart of Kildare with the slow rhythm of the water, the wide midlands sky, and wonderful conversation along one of Ireland's most historic and quietly beautiful waterways.
Distance: 24km
Starting Point: Monasterevin
End Point: Robertstown
Terrain: Canal towpath, flat and well-surfaced
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 5-6 hours
Best for: All ages and abilities, peaceful walks, nature, families, heritage
Trail Tips:
Navigation: The Barrow Blueway is easy to follow on the towpath. Waymarker posts indicate the route. More details are available at waterwaysireland.org
Weather: The towpath is open and can be breezy. A light waterproof is always a good idea. This is a very pleasant route in any season.
What to Bring: Comfortable footwear, water, and snacks. The flat, easy surface means this walk is accessible for most people, including families with younger children.
After Your Walk: Robertstown is a picturesque village which is well worth exploring.
Trail Conditions: The towpath is well-maintained and passable year-round. Grass sections can be wet in winter and spring.
About the Barrow Blueway:
The River Barrow is one of Ireland's Three Sisters rivers and one of the oldest navigable waterways in Europe. The Barrow Navigation stretches for over 100km, and the towpath along its banks offers one of the most scenic and peaceful walking and cycling routes in the country.
The Barrow Blueway is part of Ireland's growing network of blueways, recreational routes based around rivers, lakes, and canals. The section from Athy to Vicarstown passes through some of the most tranquil and unspoilt stretches of this ancient waterway. You can learn more at Waterways Ireland at waterwaysireland.org.
For more information, check out Visit Kildare.
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