In Leixlip, the Rye Walk follows the towpath of the Royal Canal between Louisa Bridge and the Ryewater Aqueduct. Leixlip links this stretch of canal with a local history that spans a Norman fortress and the brewing history of Arthur Guinness. This provides a clear guide when choosing a place to stay in County Kildare: Leixlip focuses on walking routes and local history; other destinations in the county can be considered as separate destinations.

Leixlip between the Liffey and the Rye

Leixlip lies at the confluence of the rivers Liffey and Rye, on the border between County Kildare and Dublin. The town also overlooks the River Liffey in the northeast of County Kildare. At its centre is Leixlip Castle, a Norman fortress. It has been owned by the Guinness family since 1958. Arthur Guinness, in turn, founded his first brewery in Leixlip in 1756. These two connections complement one another but tell different parts of the town's history: the history of the castle and its ownership on the one hand, and the early history of brewing on the other.

Walking routes with different profiles

The Leixlip Heritage Trail is a 2 km route through the town centre with six stops. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The Rye Walk is a scenic, historic walking route in Leixlip and part of the Heritage Trail. Its features include Leixlip Waterfall and the remains of Leixlip Spa, dating from the 1790s. Before setting out, it is worth checking current trail conditions and signage.

Arthur’s Way offers a different distance: Leixlip is the ideal starting point for this 16 km route, which follows the life of Arthur Guinness from his birth to his death. If choosing a route by distance, you can compare the 2 km Heritage Trail in the town centre with this longer route. The Leixlip Tree Trail offers another format: it starts at Old Hill and has eight stops. These different details help you assess the routes by length, number of stops and historical theme, without assuming a walking time for each route.

Train station and travel planning

Leixlip Louisa Bridge station is in Leixlip, County Kildare. If you are including it in your travel plans, check the latest service information for your travel dates.

More destinations in the wider destination of County Kildare

Beyond Leixlip, the wider destination of County Kildare also has destinations in their own right. Castletown House is in Celbridge, County Kildare, in an 18th-century parkland setting on the banks of the Liffey. The house contains an important collection of paintings, furnishings and works of art. The parklands of Castletown House are open year-round from 07:00 to 22:00. Check the information again before your trip; these opening hours apply to the parklands.

For a different choice of routes, Donadea Forest Park is in the wider destination of County Kildare. Its Lake Walk is 0.8 km long, takes about 30 minutes and is accessible to everyone. The park also has three permanent orienteering courses: a short course of 1.8 km, a medium course of 3.4 km and a long course of 4.6 km. These routes offer a specific choice of distance and format, while the routes in Leixlip focus on the town, the Royal Canal and its history.

Discover more destinations: Moyvally, Maynooth, Celbridge, Kildare, Ballitore, Johnstown, Carbury, Moone.

For the wider travel overview: County Kildare.