South Kildare Heritage Trail

This historic and beautiful tour by car to the south of Monasterevin is well worth the journey. The total distance is approximately 40 miles, although many alternative routes of shorter distance are possible within this trail.

Drive to Athy and visit the Heritage Centre in the Town Hall. The name Athy commemorates a famous battle between the Munster men under Ae and King Lewy in120AD in which Ae was killed. The river crossing was later anglicised as Athy. Whites Castle was built in 1417 by Sir John Talbot to protect the river crossing.
 

From Athy take the R418 to Kilkea the ancient seat of the Earls of Kildare. The first Kilkea Castle was built in 1180. In 1414 the Lord Justice defeated the O'Moores and O'Dempseys and in 1426 Lord Kildare rebuilt the castle. The castle was the scene of further battles during Cromwell's time in 1650 and the Rebellion in 1798. Today it is the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland.
 

Continuing on the road to Castledermot to see the 14th century Franciscan Abbey (once plundered by Robert Bruce in 1317). Here you can see a Hibernian-Romanesque arch, a 10th century round tower, two 9th century high crosses and a number of ancient stones and grave slabs. The high crosses are among the best-preserved granite crosses in the Barrow Valley; one shows David with his harp the other has an abstract Celtic design.
 

Moone is north of Castledermot and is one of the oldest inhabited areas in Kildare with evidence of settlement dating back 6000 years. In the centre of the village only two tall pillars are all that remain of the Belan House estate. The Moone High Cross has many interesting religious carvings and is well worth stopping for.
 

Timolin came into existence in the 7th century when a monastery was established, little remains today, only a 13th century effigy of a knight buried in the Church of Ireland. However links with the past are still flourishing, and today Timolin is the home of Irish pewter and its finish is said to be of the highest finish in the world. Pewter is the oldest of alloys, and festive ware celebrating early battle victories would have been crafted in Timolin.
 

Continuing north you reach Ballitore the only planned and permanent Quaker settlement in Ireland established in 1685. The recently restored home of Mary Shackelton Leadbeater who chronicled the main events of the village in the late 18th and early19th centuries was known as the "Retreat". The Meeting House has been restored by Kildare County Council and is now a library and museum containing papers and artefacts of the community.
 

On the way to Crookstown you will pass Mullaghmast Ring Fort a complex of earthworks, forts, barrows and a standing stone. The Wizard Earl Kildare is said to have been buried under the rath, and his ghost is believed to emerge from time to time.

Crookstown Corn Mill built out of local limestone lies in the Greese Valley and is now a heritage centre. During the Famine the mill was at its most profitable and very little immigration or starvation was recorded at that time. It is said that the well has never been known to run dry and the water is said to be beneficial for your health.
 

The Moate of Ardscull is on the return to Athy and is situated in a commanding position with excellent views in all directions. The Moate was built in the 12th or 13th centuries and is a large mound surrounded by a ditch and bank. There is a picnic site if needed.
 

Dublin Road, Monasterevin, Co Kildare, Ireland.
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