On tonight's episode of Tracks and Trails, musician Jack Lukeman and presenter Doireann Ní Ghlacáin head off on a wonderful journey along the waterways of Ireland from the historic town of Athy to the peaceful village of Vicarstown.
Following the blueway of the great River Barrow through the quiet heart of Kildare, this is a walk that balances natural beauty with the rich heritage of the river and its canal, passing historic locks, traditional lock-keeper's cottages, and abundant riverside wildlife.
Distance: 11.5km
Starting Point: The People's Park, Athy
End Point: Vicarstown
Terrain: Canal towpath, flat riverside path, well-surfaced
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours
Best for: All ages and abilities, walkers and cyclists, nature lovers, heritage enthusiasts
Trail Trips:
Navigation: The Barrow Blueway is clearly waymarked. Follow the blue markers. More details are available at waterwaysireland.org
Weather: Bring waterproof clothing as a precaution. The route is enjoyable in all weathers.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes or trainers are sufficient for this flat route. Bring water, snacks, and a camera; the riverside scenery is beautiful throughout.
Return Journey: This is a linear route. Arrange return transport from Vicarstown or consider cycling the route so you can return easily.
Trail Conditions: The path is well-maintained and suitable year-round. Some sections may be muddy after heavy rain.
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.
Watch Tracks and Trails Fridays on RTÉ One at 8:30pm. Watch episodes back now on RTÉ Player. To watch outside of Ireland, head to YouTube.
