Athy Story

Uncover the heritage of Athy through these
six historical snapshots

1533

The Rent Table

Used for rent payments between tenants and landlords, this remarkable table dates to 1533. Originally housed in Gerald Fitzgerald’s home at Maynooth Castle, it arrived in Athy following
the 1534 confiscation of the estate.

1803–1961

Stained Glass
Windows

These vibrant stained-glass windows were part of St. Michael’s Parish Church, which served the community for over 150 years. After its demolition in 1961, the windows found a new home as part of Athy’s preserved legacy.the 1534 confiscation of the estate.

1791

Grand Canal And Augustus Stone

The Grand Canal extension reached Athy in 1791, linking the town to Dublin. The canal journey once began at 5 AM and took 13 hours. The original keystone of the re-modelled 1890s Augustus Bridge is now displayed at the Shackleton Experience.

1917–1918

World War I –
Memorial Plaque

Honouring Patrick and Aloysius Heydon, Irish Guards killed in France in 1917, this plaque was created by their comrades and sent home in 1918. A moving tribute to local lives lost in war.

1903

Gordon Bennett Race And Arrol Johnston

The Grand Canal extension reached Athy in 1791, linking the town to Dublin. The canal journey once began at 5 AM and took 13 hours. The original keystone of the re-modelled 1890s Augustus Bridge is now displayed at the Shackleton Experience.

c.1253

Monk’s Head
Discovery

Discovered in the former grounds of the Priory of St. John, this carved stone monk’s head offers a rare glimpse into Athy’s monastic and medieval roots.

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