Kilcock

📍 Kilcock, Kildare

🏛️ Attraction

Last updated: 28 April 2026

Overview

Kilcock is a bustling market town in north County Kildare, perched on the banks of the Royal Canal just 35 km west of Dublin. With a 2022 population of 8,674 it is the eighth‑largest town in the county and the 61st‑largest in Ireland. The town lies on the historic Leinster‑Meath border (grid reference O003360) and serves as a convenient base for exploring the Irish midlands. It blends historic charm – from the 19th‑century railway station to St Coca’s Church – with modern amenities such as the Kilcock Art Gallery, a vibrant weekly market and a growing commuter community.

History

The name Kilcock (Cill Chóca) honours Saint Coca, a 6th‑century nun traditionally said to be the sister of St Kevin of Glendalough. She founded a church beside the Rye River, a tributary of the Liffey, and a holy well dedicated to her is still believed to lie behind the Permanent TSB building. The present parish church, dedicated to St Coca in 1867, was designed by architect J.J. McCarthy at a cost of £10,000.

An 8th‑century battle between rival kings took place near the early church, reflecting Kilcock’s position on the ancient Leinster‑Meath frontier. By 1303 the settlement belonged to the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem at Kilmainham. In the 17th century the town hosted regular markets and fairs; the “Kilcock Measure” of oats became a local unit of trade, underscoring the market’s historic importance.

The railway arrived on 28 June 1847, but the original station closed a year later due to a steep gradient. A second station opened in 1850 and operated until 1963. The current Kilcock railway station, under Shaw Bridge, opened in 1998 and now provides DART‑style commuter services.

Demographics

Kilcock’s population has grown rapidly since the 1990s, rising from 1,551 in 1991 to 8,674 in 2022 – a 42 % increase in the last decade. The town’s age profile is mixed, with a sizeable number of families attracted by the schools and commuter links, and a growing cohort of retirees drawn by the riverside setting.

Education

Kilcock is served by three primary schools:

  • Scoil Chóca Naofa
  • St Joseph’s BNS (co‑educational since 2016)
  • Gaelscoil Uí Riada (all‑Irish curriculum, located beside the Bánóg on the town’s outskirts)

The town’s secondary school, Scoil Dara, accommodates over 900 pupils from Kilcock and surrounding villages such as Donadea, Summerhill, Enfield, Moynalvey and Mulhussey.

Economy

Kilcock’s modern growth accelerated after the M4 motorway opened in 1994, bypassing the town to the south, and the reopening of the railway station in 1998. A large Musgrave Group distribution centre supplies SuperValu and Centra stores nationwide, making the town a key logistics hub. The Kilcock Business Association represents over 50 local enterprises, ranging from retail to manufacturing.

What to See & Do

Established in 1978 by Breda Smyth and opened by George Campbell RHA, the gallery showcases paintings, sculpture and prints by leading Irish artists. Guided tours, a retail outlet and disabled access are available. Discover the gallery.

Royal Canal Greenway

Kilcock is a key access point to the 130‑km Royal Canal Greenway, a traffic‑free route for walkers, cyclists and runners. The flat, well‑maintained section hosts a weekly 5 km Parkrun on Saturday mornings and offers scenic riverside picnic spots, heritage bridges and the large 15‑metre lock chamber.

St Coca’s Church & Holy Well

The parish church, dedicated in 1867, is a fine example of Gothic‑Revival architecture. Visitors can view the historic building and, if timing permits, attend a Sunday Mass (9 am and 12 pm). The nearby holy well, traditionally linked to Saint Coca, provides a quiet place for reflection.

Larchill Arcadian Garden

A short drive into County Meath brings you to Larchill, an 18‑century “ferme ornée” restored in the 1990s. Walk among beech avenues, classical and gothic follies, a lake with island follies, and a shell‑lined tower – a favourite for families and photographers.

Sports & Recreation

  • Kilcock GAA Club (founded 1887) fields over 60 teams and has five senior football titles.
  • Kilcock Golf Club offers an 18‑hole USGA‑standard parkland course with water features.
  • Kilcock Canoe Polo Club operates from the canal harbour; it hosted the European Canoe Polo Championship in 2003 and runs regular summer training sessions.
  • Kilcock Tigers Basketball Club and St Coca’s Athletic Club provide indoor and track facilities for all ages.

Walking the Canal Way

The Royal Canal Way is broken into stages that start or finish in Kilcock. Stage 1 (Dublin → Kilcock) covers 39 km, while Stage 2 (Kilcock → Longwood) adds another 38 km. Half‑day options such as the 20 km Kilcock → Enfield walk are also popular.

Local Culture & Events

  • Kilcock Library houses memorabilia of poet Teresa Brayton (born nearby) and hosts occasional literary talks.
  • Kilcock Musical & Dramatic Society (KMDS), founded in 1970, stages productions ranging from classic plays to contemporary musicals; the society is a hub for local performers.
  • Weekly Market – every Saturday the town centre along the canal fills with stalls selling fresh produce, crafts and local foods. It is a great place to sample Irish baked goods and meet locals.
  • St Coca’s Feast Day on 6 June is marked by a small community gathering.
  • Greenway Parkrun draws participants from across the region each Saturday morning.
  • Canoe Polo Sessions run throughout the summer months.

Food & Drink

Kilcock’s high street offers a selection of cafés, pubs and restaurants. Popular spots include The Canal Bar (traditional Irish music on occasional evenings) and The Mill Café (great for a coffee break after a walk). Many eateries provide free Wi‑Fi and are within walking distance of the Greenway.

Nearby Attractions

  • Donadea Forest Park – a short drive north offers woodland walks, a lake and historic ruins. [/donadea/]
  • Irish National Stud – world‑renowned thoroughbred stud and gardens, located near Kildare town. [/irish-national-stud/]
  • Carbury Hill – historic hill with a tower and panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. [/carbury/]
  • Carton House – a Palladian mansion with luxury hotel and golf facilities, a short drive south of Kilcock. [/carton-house/]

Practical Information

Access

  • Kilcock lies just south of the M4 motorway (junction 9).
  • Bus Éireann route 115 runs between Dublin and Enfield/Mullingar, with a less frequent 115C serving Mullingar via Summerhill and Ballivor.
  • The railway station, reopened in 1998 under Shaw Bridge, provides regular DART‑style services to Dublin Connolly and Longford. An extension of DART services to Kilcock is confirmed for 2027 as part of the DART+ Programme (see Transport section).

Parking

  • Free on‑street parking is available near the canal and in the town centre.
  • A small paid car park behind the Art Gallery offers additional spaces during market days.

Cycling & Walking

  • The county‑council‑led pedestrian and cycling path along the riverbank is now complete, providing a safe, traffic‑free route alongside the Royal Canal. The path is dog‑friendly.

Accessibility

  • Kilcock Art Gallery offers disabled access; the town’s main streets are largely level.

Accommodation

  • Kilcock itself has limited lodging, but nearby towns such as Maynooth, Enfield and Celbridge provide a range of B&Bs and hotels. Luxury options within a short drive include Carton House Hotel and The K Club in Straffan.

Nearest Airport

  • Dublin Airport is approximately 45 km north‑east, reachable via the M4.

Transport Developments

DART+ Extension (2026‑2027)

In March 2026 Iarnród Éireann confirmed the extension of DART services to Kilcock as part of the DART+ Programme. A new depot west of the town will support up to 750 new DART carriages, with full electrification to Kilcock expected by 2027. Once operational, peak‑time services could run as frequently as every 10 minutes. The upgrade includes a second track between Maynooth and Kilcock, a new platform and a fully accessible pedestrian bridge with lifts.

Outer Orbital Motorway

County Council’s long‑term plan includes an 80‑km orbital route linking Naas to Drogheda via Kilcock, improving road connectivity for commuters and freight.

Recent Developments

  • Pedestrian Path – Construction of a paved riverside path for walkers and cyclists was completed in 2016, providing a safe, traffic‑free route alongside the Royal Canal.
  • Planning – Pastoral Centre Refused – In April 2026 a proposal to build a €578 k limestone pastoral centre adjacent to St Coca’s Church was refused by Kildare County Council (planning application 2660179). The scheme would have added a single‑storey centre, removed a 20th‑century grotto and altered the boundary wall.

For more details, see the official Discover Ireland page on Kilcock: https://www.discoverireland.ie/kilcock.