barge trips kildare

Barge trips on Ireland's Grand Canal – Kildare

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• Leinster Aqueduct Cruise
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Digby Lock, Kildare.

Leinster Aqueduct, Sallins.

Your bargetrip starts here, select your date to check availability and book your private charter cruise on the grand canal in kildare. great for family days out, birthday parties and team days, if you have any questions see out faq page or call now on 087 6465465 (line open 9am to 6pm)  .

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There’s no minimum group size for a private cruise and the maximum is 12 passengers, including adults and children. The Charter Fee covers the whole group. We may be able to add additional departure slots if your preferred date is unavailable. 

For afternoon digby lock cruises please  contact us ..

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Barge Trips

Revel in the beauty and simplicity of Kildare's countryside.

Just a stone’s throw away from Kildare’s Grand Canal, Cliff at Lyons is nestled amidst vast expanses of rural Ireland. If you fancy exploring more of this enchanting country, steeped in rich heritage, why not book a Private Carter experience from Sallins?

Board an elegantly restored traditional barge and sail through time to unravel tales of engineers and merchants who left their mark on this storied land. Traverse trails of poor folk who escaped The Great Famine’s grasps, with horses lugging their heavy cargoes.

Sink into the serenity of Kildare’s verdant countryside, as ducks glide through crystalline streams and birds captivate you with lilting melodies.

Duration:  1.5 or 2.5 hours.

Max no. of passengers:  12

To book your experience, email [email protected] .

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Bargetrip.ie - Canal Boat Tour offer scheduled cruises which operate from March to October, and you can charter the barge privately all year round. There are three cruise options and six departure times daily during peak season and a barge trip is suitable for all ages.

The morning return cruise to Digby Lock departs at 10:00 and takes 2.5 hours. You’ll cruise over the Leinster Aqueduct and on through a 250 year old canal lock that works exactly as it did when first installed in the 18th century.

1 hour cruises operate throughout the afternoon and there's a stop on top of the Leinster Aqueduct where you'll learn about the history of the impressive structure carrying the Grand Canal over the River Liffey.

The McCreevy’s Lock evening cruise departs at 17:00 and 19:00.

The barge that Bargetrip.ie - Canal Boat Tour operate is a lovingly restored traditional canal barge that is licensed to carry 12 passengers. It has a spacious comfortable interior with a wood burning stove, on board bar service and outdoor seating areas. You can combine your cruise with a meal in one of the waterfront restaurants in Sallins afterwards.

Sallins is where trade on the Grand Canal first began when passenger and cargo barges started hauling their horse drawn loads between the small Kildare village and Dublin in 1780.

Today it is a bustling inland harbour village with award winning restaurants and bars on the waterfront, and there’s a flotilla of boats, barges and houseboats in the harbour. It is 30 minutes from Dublin City center with trains from Heuston station every hour.

Advance booking online is essential.

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Bargetrip.ie

 Get on board the M.V. Amo Barge on the Grand Canal and cruise through the county Kildare countryside on a beautifully restored traditional canal barge. MV Amo is a licensed Passenger Boat carrying up to 12 people and your skipper will give you a unique insight into the life and history of the Grand Canal. Choose either a 1 hour cruise to the Leinster Aqueduct or a 2.5 hour cruise through Digby Lock. You can also hire the barge exclusively for your group. Refer to the website for price details.

Location: Grand Canal

Activity Type: Boat Trips

Business Type: Tours & Trips

Address: Canal View Sallins Co Kildare

Phone: +353 (0)87 6465465

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.bargetrip.ie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bargetrip.ie

Escape it all , take the tiller of a Jennifer ’ s Travels barge

SHORT TERM BARGE HIRE

Cosy Cottages on the Water ...

A DIFFERENT VIEW EVERY MORNING

Ireland’s wild beauty .

EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

Waterside pubs

Picture Postcard Villages

To find out more about what we offer, click below

Jennifer ’ s Travels

is a family run barge hire business specialized in short term barge travel along River Barrow and Grand Canal.

Traditional in style ,

the barges are full of colour and character.

No previous boating experience needed

We offer a friendly personnel service and specialize in both short and long term hire

Welcome to Jennifer’s Travels .

Jennifer’s Travels is a small, fully insured, commercially licensed, family run Irish business, dedicated to preserving the Irish culture and spirit alive and unaltered. We offer colorful, beautifully styled canal barges, full of character, for short term barge travel. They are easily managed all steel boats, built in traditional stern cruiser style, with a large deck to the stern and a second deck at the bow.

Why choose us for short term barge travel?

Well established, family run business. Personal touch, able to take the time to help you plan your holiday if you want.

Quality maintained boats of traditional character.

Some of the best unspoilt waters in Ireland

The fact that people come back to us again and again.

Short term hire not a problem. Neither is duration nor start day.

Direct links to Dublin airport, 60 kms from Dublin City center mainly motorway, excellent train and coach services.

Useful links

• Discover Ireland
• Inland Waterways Association Ireland
• Athy Heritage Museum
• Waterways Ireland
• Finlays Angling Centre
• Monasterevin

Georgeton Cowpasture Monasterevin, Co. Kildare — Ireland

Call us: +353 86 342 5546

Write us: [email protected]

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11 Of The Best Things To Do In Kildare (Castles, Barge Tours, A Brewery And More)

By Author Gillian Birch

Posted on Last updated: September 30, 2020

I f you’re in search of loads of worthwhile things to do in Kildare, you’ve landed in the right place.

Although the name Kildare means “Church of the Oak”, there’s far more than churches and trees to enjoy in this beautiful county.

You’ll discover everything from castles and barges to magnificent gardens and more in our guide to the best places to visit in Kildare below!

Table of Contents

The best things to do in Kildare

• Explore Kildare from the comfort of a barge…
• And then spend the night on one!
• Step back in time at Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park
• Ramble around Maynooth Castle
• Grab a coffee and head for a stroll around Castletown House
• Make your belly happy at Two Cooks Restaurant and Wine Bar
• Wander through the gardens at the National Stud
• Sample the wares at the Kildare Brewing Co.
• Challenge yourself at Redhills Adventures
• Spend a night in a castle at Kilkea
• Explore Burtown House and Gardens

1. Explore Kildare from the comfort of a barge…

Photo via theirishroadtrip

All aboard for a cruise along the Grand Canal for up to 12 private passengers. This beautifully restored barge has two cabins and plenty of outdoor seating allowing everyone to find their own space.

There’s even a bar and toilet on board. Depart from Sallins on a one-hour cruise to the Leinster Aqueduct, built in 1784 above the River Liffey, or continue on a 2.5 hour trip to the 250-year-old Digby Lock.

One of the best things to do in Kildare is an evening cruise (1.5 hours) to McCreevy’s Lock with sunset vistas.

2. And then spend the night on one!

Photo by Liam Murphy via Ireland’s Content Pool

If you’re in search of unique things to do in Kildare, then a night spent kicking-back on a barge in Sallins should be right up your street.

Permanently moored in Sallins Harbour, the Roisin Dubh Houseboat is a 2 bedroom barge for 6 guests. Built in 1999 as a family home, it now provides a welcoming Airbnb.

From the wheelhouse, there’s access to a double aft cabin and stairs to the fully equipped kitchen and gorgeous living area.

Check out the polished wood floors, wood burner and comfy sofa bed! The queen-size master bedroom is in the bow next to the bathroom. Breakfast? No problem.

There’s a canalside café, gastropub and restaurants nearby along with a grocery store and parking ( book a night here – note: we’ll make a small commission if you do).

3. Step back in time at Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park

Getaway from it all at Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park , located in the Bog of Allen in West Kildare.

This award-winning attraction is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Kildare with 60 acres of trails through the ancient peatland, woods and lakes.

Themed gardens focus on Ireland’s history and heritage with native flowers and shrubs as well as a Fairy Tree for making wishes come true!

Kids will love the Funky Forest play area, 18 hole Mini Golf and Pet Farm. Lose yourself in the Fairy Village, find “loot” on a treasure hunt and admire the models of dolmens and Newgrange megalithic tomb.  

4. Ramble around Maynooth Castle

Photo by Gail Connaughton/Failte Ireland via Ireland’s Content Pool

Dating back to Norman times, Maynooth Castle is a majestic castle ruin, once the seat of the FitzGeralds, one of Ireland’s most powerful families.

Located next to Maynooth University South Campus, it is one of the most visited Kildare attractions. The keep is one of the largest of its kind and the Great Hall has witnessed many political and strategic plans hatched within its thick stone walls.

Free to visit, the well-kept grounds are a lovely place to ramble while waiting to join a 45-minute guided tour. 

5. Grab a coffee and head for a stroll around Castletown House

Photo by Fáilte Ireland via Ireland’s Content Pool

Just 21km from Dublin, Castletown House is offering free tours of the ground floor of this historic monument in 2020, so now’s the time to make a booking and visit.

Castletown was the first Palladian-style mansion in Ireland, built in the 1720s for William Connolly. The newly renovated Crimson Drawing Room is one of many grand staterooms.

The 80-foot Long Gallery frequently hosts temporary exhibitions while the second floor has magnificent displays and permanent collections.

If you’re wondering what to do in Kildare with kids, you can take them to the biodiversity garden (open on weekends) where they’ll have a chance to meet the Castletown Fairies! 

6. Make your belly happy at Two Cooks Restaurant and Wine Bar

Photos via theirishroadtrip

All these things to do in Kildare will sharpen the appetite, so why not head to the Two Cooks Restaurant and Bar in Sallins, Co. Kildare for some scrumptious nosh!

Offering “fine dining without fuss” Josef Zammit and Nicola Curran run the 40-seater restaurant overlooking the pretty canal.

In 2020, given our current situation, they are offering mouthwatering takeaway meals including Rotisserie Chicken with 3 Salads as an alternative to their renowned restaurant and café. 

Note from the editor:  I had breakfast here twice, two days in a row, last summer and good God the food was unreal. Well worth a visit!

7. Wander through the gardens at the National Stud

Photo by Brian Morrison via Ireland’s Content Pool

The state-owned commercial National Stud is home to some of the most magnificent thoroughbred horses in Ireland.

The farm at Tully was purchased from Hall Walker, a successful breeder, back in 1900. Admire these fine creatures and you could be looking at the next winner of the Epsom Derby or Cheltenham Gold Cup! 

Those that visit can explore the Horse Museum with its memorabilia and history. Alternatively, lose yourself in the Japanese Gardens which contrast with the wild Irish St Fiachra’s Garden. 

8. Sample the wares at the Kildare Brewing Co. (one of the best things to do in Kildare when it’s raining)

Photo via Kildare Brewing on Facebook

If you’re wondering what to do in Kildare with a group, this should tickle your fancy. A very mighty variety of Irish beers are produced by the lads at the Kildare Brewery Co (it’s connected to the Lock 13 pub and restaurant).

Those that visit can head off on a mini brewery tour around the brewhouse and sample some of their most popular beers.

Groups of 6-10 people can enjoy this 40-minute immersion into the world of hops and vats. Bookings are required as this is one of the most popular things to do in Kildare. 

9. Challenge yourself at Redhills Adventures

Photo via Redhills Adventures on Facebook

If you’re in search of places to visit in Kildare with a big group (aged 7 and up), carve out some time to visit Redhills Adventures. 

Situated on a former working farm near Kildare Town it offers sports activities to suit all interests and fitness levels.

Warm up with a little Archery Tag before tackling the Assault Course, do Splat Paintballing and plot your revenge with Airsoft firing plastic projectiles from airsoft guns. Ouch! 

10. Spend a night in a castle at Kilkea

Photo by the Irish Road Trip

Kilkea Castle is one of the oldest inhabited castles in Ireland. Built in 1180, it was the stronghold of the Earls of Kildare for many centuries.

Major renovations have resulted in a grand house fit for a king. Now a luxury resort with 140 bedrooms, it has 180 glorious acres of gardens, woodland and a golf course.

Although this doesn’t really fit in with the other Kildare attractions, it’s worth visiting Kilkea even for lunch as the castle is incredible on the inside and the grounds are a joy to walk around.

11. Explore Burtown House and Gardens

Photo via Burtown House on Facebook

On a smaller scale to Castletown House but equally as remarkable, Burtown House and Gardens is a historic Georgian Quaker House near Ballitore.

It’s surrounded by flower gardens and countryside walks making it one of the top attractions in Kildare for green-fingered gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts.

Built in 1710, it boasts secret gardens, a shop and a gallery. There are also tea rooms for those of you that just fancy sitting down and having a chat.

What places to visit in Kildare have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve missed out on some brilliant places to visit in Kildare in the guide above. If you any Kildare attractions to recommend, let me know in the comments.

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