On Thursday, 2 July 1903 the Gordon Bennett Cup ran through Athy. It was the first international motor race to be held in Britain or Ireland.
Athy contains the only permanent exhibition on Ernest Shackleton, who was born not far from the town in Kilkea House.
Athy is the linking point between the Grand Canal and the Barrow Navigation.
Poet Laureate Cecil Day-Lewis was born in 1904 in Ballinturbbert House, Athy
Crom Abu Bridge was named after the war cry of the Fitzgeralds.
Athy hosted the very first Ploughing Championships in 1931.
The earliest existing record of corporate status for Athy dates back to 7 October 1515 when King Henry VIII granted the town a charter
In 1798 captured United Irishmen rebels were flogged by the militia in the Town Square
Home of Ernest Shackleton
The first place you should visit in the town is the small but the perfectly formed Athy Heritage…
Learn MoreCheck out the Bus Éireann journey planner to see how you get to Athy.
Learn MoreAthy hosted the very first Ploughing Championships in 1931.
View AllAthy Heritage Centre-Museum
+353 (0)59 8633075
Emily Square, Athy,
Co. Kildare