Golf, canal history and a 19th-century manor house give Moyvally its varied character. At Balyna Estate, the golf course and its practice facilities take centre stage; bridges over the canal and railway tell the story of a longer local history. When planning your trip, it is worth treating these themes separately: golf, historic structures and cycling each offer a distinct focus.
Golf at Balyna Estate
Moyvalley Golf Club’s course is set on the 500-acre Balyna Estate in north Kildare; it was designed by Darren Clarke and European Golf Design. As an inland course, it follows the principles of links golf. At 6,660 yards and par 72, it is challenging yet suitable for golfers of all abilities.
Rolling fairways, well-maintained bunkers, lakes and large greens with modern facilities shape the course. Practice facilities include a driving range with outdoor and covered bays, as well as a short-game academy with two large chipping greens, three large bunkers and a large practice putting green. The clubhouse includes a well-stocked pro shop, ladies’ and men’s changing rooms, a lounge serving food and a sun balcony. It overlooks Balyna House. Before your trip, check the availability of the specific facilities you need. The Irish PGA Championships were held at Moyvalley Golf Course in 2016 and 2017.
Balyna House and the Bridges of Moyvally
Balyna House is an impressive 19th-century Italianate manor house. The history of Balyna Estate goes back further: in 1574, Queen Elizabeth I granted it to the O’Moore family after they had lost their lands in Laois and were reinstated at Balyna. The manor house and the estate therefore represent different historical periods.
The single-arch Moyvally Bridge, built of rubble stone, crosses the canal and dates from around 1810. As a reminder of the development of Ireland’s canal network, it has considerable historical and social significance. Another Moyvally Bridge, a single-span road bridge of cut stone over the railway line, dates from around 1850 and is no longer in use. The two structures differ in both their locations and their dates of construction and current status.
Cycling along the Royal Canal
The Moyvally Ramp was completed in June 2019, completing the cycle route along the Royal Canal at Moyvally. It connects the towpath beneath the existing R148 road bridge with the old stone canal bridge beside Furey’s Bar. Before setting out, check current path conditions and accessibility.
More options in the wider destination of County Kildare
Other places in the wider destination of County Kildare offer their own natural and cultural highlights. The Lake Walk in Donadea Forest Park is 0.8 kilometres long, takes about 30 minutes and is accessible to everyone. The same park has three permanent orienteering courses: a short one of 1.8 kilometres, a medium one of 3.4 kilometres and a long one of 4.6 kilometres.
Another option is Castletown House in Celbridge, County Kildare. The house stands in an 18th-century parkland setting on the banks of the Liffey and houses a significant collection of paintings, furnishings and works of art. In County Kildare, a short walk with a defined duration and orienteering courses of different lengths sit alongside a distinctive cultural destination.
Discover more destinations: Castledermot, Naas, Johnstown, Clane, Kildare, Maynooth, Moone, Newbridge.
View the wider travel guide: County Kildare.
