Athy Waterways

Having grown from a 12th century Anglo-Norman settlement, the town now with a population of 10,000 approx., rests nestled between the main arteries of the M7 and M9 motorways. This ideal positioning, coupled with a frequent Bus & Rail services has assisted Athy in attracting many large scale events such as the National Ploughing Championships to the area on numerous occasions in recent times. With a huge sense of community, Athy plays hosts to over 60 festivals/events throughout the calendar year, aided weekly by a healthy nightlife including internationally famous traditional music sessions and Fleadh’s.

Athy is the perfect stop-off point for those traveling the Grand Canal or Barrow Navigation, as it sits on the intersection of both systems. In addition, it is the perfect location for those wishing to moor their vessels long-term, as uniquely, it is not subject to the new Extended Mooring Permit (EMP) recently introduced by Waterways Ireland. The EMP, which costs €156, now applies to all boats mooring long-term on the Royal Canal, Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation. Athy’s mooring facilities which lie just 400 meters north of the Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation meeting point and therefore do not come under the remit of Waterways Ireland and are not subject to the new Bye-Laws. As a result, any boat owner wishing to avail of mooring facilities long-term, can do so free of charge in Athy. For more information on all the amenities that Athy town has to offer, please visit: www.athy.ie

From a boating perspective, Athy boasts many assets, including:
A dry-dock
Pump-out facility
Canal side drinking water
A plethora of water based clubs & organisations
Two boat slips
Numerous waterways based festivals
Free moorings & jetty
An array of restaurants, hotels and B&B’s
A strong IWAI community
Several hardware stores & suppliers
Numerous garages and mechanics