Overview
Allenwood sits on the banks of the Grand Canal, a compact village in north County Kildare that has grown from a 19th‑century coaching post into one of the county’s fastest‑expanding settlements. With a 2022 population of 1,685, the village offers a mix of modern amenities – a Spar, a Costcutter, a barbers, and the popular Glennons Café, Bar Restaurant and Takeaway – alongside easy access to the canal’s flat towpath and a brand‑new community playpark.
History
Allenwood’s origins lie on the old Edenderry Road, where it served as a coaching stop in the nineteenth century. The arrival of the Grand Canal in the early 1800s gave the settlement a permanent waterway, around which the village expanded. In 1952 the Electricity Supply Board built a peat‑fired power station; its cooling tower dominated the skyline until its demolition in 1997, after which the site became an industrial park.
The local church, erected in 1954, sits beside the merged primary school (Allenwood G.N.S. and B.N.S.). Recent decades have seen new housing estates, a playground, and plans for the Grand Canal Greenway to further link Allenwood to the wider canal network.
New Playpark Details
Opened on 27 May 2024 by Kildare County Council, the 3,200 m² playpark was a long‑awaited community project. Funding of €650,000 came from development levies, local property tax and the Drehid community‑grants scheme. The park includes:
- A Multi‑Use Games Area (MUGA) for football, basketball and other team sports
- An outdoor gym with fitness stations
- An BMX pump track for cyclists of all ages
- Accessible pathways, lighting for evening use and ample seating
Councilors Pádraig McEvoy and Brendan Wyse praised the development as a milestone for the growing population and a safe, active space for families.
Canal Highlights
The Grand Canal towpath is a flat, well‑maintained route ideal for walking, cycling or a leisurely jog. Highlights along the Allenwood stretch include:
- Shee Bridge – a historic stone bridge that makes a popular photo spot.
- Four Potts Well – an unusual 19th‑century overflow structure that illustrates the engineering of the canal (see the dedicated page Four Potts Well).
- Dog‑friendly and wheelchair‑accessible pathways, with benches and waste bins at regular intervals.
- Anglers can cast from the banks where the canal is stocked with coarse fish such as roach, perch and bream.
What to See & Do
- Grand Canal Walks & Greenway – Part of the 82‑mile Grand Canal Way, linking Allenwood to Rathangan, Monasterevin and beyond.
- Fishing – The canal offers good coarse‑fish catches, especially in spring and summer.
- Allenwood G.F.C. & Celtic A.F.C. – Local GAA and soccer clubs; Johnny Doyle, Kildare football legend, is a regular supporter.
- New Playpark – Free to use, with MUGA, outdoor gym and BMX track.
- Food & Drink – Refuel at Glennons Café, Bar Restaurant and Takeaway; the Spar and Costcutter provide quick provisions.
- Community Events – The “Changing Times – The Allenwood Conversations” podcast series is recorded at the local Dundara Television and Media studio, featuring notable Irish personalities.
- Day‑Trip Options – A short drive brings you to Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park (bog walks, Emigration Cottage) and the expansive Bog of Allen. The world‑renowned Irish National Stud is also within easy reach.
Practical Information
- Access & Parking – Allenwood is reachable via the R403, with easy links to the M4 (north) and M7 (south). Free on‑site parking is available near the village centre, the canal access point and the new playpark.
- Facilities – Public toilets are located beside Glennons Café and near the playpark. The playpark includes benches, waste bins, lighting and wheelchair‑friendly paths.
- Seasonal Notes – The Grand Canal Greenway and the playpark are open year‑round. Fishing is most active in spring and summer, but the towpath remains usable in all weather.
- Dog‑friendly – Both the towpath and the playpark allow dogs on leads.
- Contact & Further Info – For up‑to‑date details on canal access, events and local amenities, check Kildare County Council pages or the village’s community development association.
Allenwood may be small, but its blend of historic charm, outdoor recreation and the new playpark make it a rewarding stop on any Kildare itinerary.