Overview
Monasterevin (sometimes spelled Monasterevan) is a thriving market town on the banks of the River Barrow in the south‑west of County Kildare. Often called the “Venice of Ireland” because of its unusually high concentration of bridges, the town straddles the Barrowline – a branch of the Grand Canal – and the historic railway line that links Dublin with the south‑west of the country. With a population of 4,246 (eleventh‑largest settlement in Kildare) and a location on the Kildare‑Laois border, Monasterevin blends a lively modern community with a deep‑seated sense of place, making it an ideal base for exploring the waterways, the surrounding limestone hills and the rich tapestry of Irish history.
History
Early settlement
The area around Monasterevin has been a crossing point on the Barrow since prehistoric times. Stone axe heads recovered from the riverbed suggest that Neolithic peoples regarded the fording point as sacred. By the Bronze Age, earthwork enclosures such as the Aquafort guarded the confluence of the Figile and Barrow rivers, indicating a settled agricultural community.
Monastic origins
In the 5th century, Saint Abban of New Ross sent his protégé Saint Evin to establish a monastic settlement at Rosglas (the original name of Monasterevin). The settlement enjoyed sanctuary status, and its bell was used to seal peace treaties across the region. Although the original monastery vanished during the Viking era, the site remained spiritually significant.
Cistercian Abbey and medieval politics
A Cistercian abbey was founded in the 12th century under the patronage of Dermot O’Dempsey, linking Monasterevin to the great mother houses of Mellifont and Baltinglass. The O’Dempseys continued to influence the abbey until the Reformation, when Henry VIII seized the property in 1541. The abbey’s strategic location meant its abbots held seats in the Irish Parliament and often acted as intermediaries between the English Crown and local chieftains.
Georgian town‑planning and the “Venice of Ireland”
The 18th‑century Earl of Drogheda, Charles Moore, reshaped the town with a grid‑pattern layout that still defines the centre today. The construction of the Grand Canal’s Barrowline branch in 1786 cemented the town’s nickname, as a series of bridges – including the iconic Essex (Pass) Bridge – linked the streets across the water. The canal also spurred a thriving distilling industry, most famously the Cassidy family’s whisky and St Patrick’s Cross Pale Ale.
Motor‑racing milestone
On 2 July 1903 the Gordon Bennett Cup raced through Monasterevin, marking the first international motor race held on Irish soil. The event popularised the now‑famous British racing green, a colour chosen by the victorious Belgian driver Camille Jenatzy.
20th‑century highlights
Monasterevin’s modern history includes the 1798 Battle of Monasterevin in the town’s Main Street, the 1975 Siege at Monasterevin involving the kidnapping of Dr Tiede Herrema, and the 2017 incident in which a civil servant was chased from a local pub. The town also hosted the Gerard Manley Hopkins Literary Festival from 1987 to 2015, celebrating the poet’s connection to the area.
What to See & Do
| Attraction | Why Visit? |
|---|---|
| Celtic Cross in the Town Square | A striking memorial to Fr Prendergast, erected in 1900 by local nationalists. |
| St John’s Church (Main Street) | Site of the 1798 battle; its fortified walls tell the story of the town’s turbulent past. |
| Grand Canal Aqueduct (1826) | An engineering marvel that carries the canal over the Barrow, offering panoramic views of the river and surrounding countryside. |
| Moore Abbey Hill | Limestone outcrop with walking routes and vistas over the Barrow valley. |
| Barrowline Towpath | Ideal for a leisurely stroll or a gentle canoe paddle; the path is lined with pink pyramidal orchids and a variety of butterflies during summer. |
| Monasterevin Railway Station | A historic station on the InterCity line, perfect for a quick hop to Dublin or the west coast. |
| Local Distilleries (e.g., Church of Oak Distillery) | Sample craft spirits that continue the town’s 18th‑century brewing tradition. |
While the town itself is compact, its surrounding landscape offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Barrow Blueway – a network of walking and cycling routes following the river – is especially popular with families and cyclists seeking a scenic day out.
Outdoor Activities
Walking & Cycling
The Barrow Blueway forms part of the national cycle network and follows the river from Athy through Monasterevin to Portarlington, offering flat, traffic‑free sections suitable for families and wheelchair users. For longer treks, the Barrow Way – a 120 km walking route from Athy to Carlow – passes close to the town, giving walkers the chance to explore historic bridges and riverside scenery.
Moore Abbey Hill provides a series of marked trails that climb the limestone outcrop, rewarding hikers with panoramic views over the Barrow valley and the surrounding bogland. The hill’s limestone pavement is a notable geological feature and a favourite spot for photographers.
Wildlife & Nature
The towpath and surrounding wetlands support a surprising diversity of flora and fauna. In summer, pink pyramidal orchids carpet the riverbanks, while butterflies such as the meadow brown and orange tip are frequently seen. The nearby bogland – part of the larger Bog of Allen – offers bird‑watching opportunities, especially for species like the snipe and curlew.
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Distance from Monasterevin | Why Visit? |
|---|---|---|
| Athy Heritage Centre | 6 km north | Exhibits on the Barrow’s industrial heritage and local archaeology. |
| Portarlington | 9 km south‑west | Vibrant market town with historic canals and the Four Potts Well overflow structure. |
| Digby Lock | 5 km north‑east | One of the most photographed locks on the Grand Canal, with a visitor centre. |
| Four Potts Well | 9 km south‑west (Portarlington) | Unique Grand Canal overflow structure with interpretive panels. |
| Carbury Village & Castle Ruins | 12 km south‑east | Medieval village and the ruins of Carbury Castle, set on a hill with sweeping views. |
Practical Information
Monasterevin lies 63 km (≈ 39 mi) southwest of Dublin on the R445 road. The M7 motorway bypass, opened in 2004, diverts through‑traffic, making the town centre pleasant for pedestrians.
Getting there
- By car: Follow the R445 from Dublin; the town is sign‑posted just before the M7 junction. Free on‑street parking is available around the town square and near the railway station.
- By train: Monasterevin railway station is on the InterCity Dublin‑Cork/Limerick/Tralee and Dublin‑Galway/Mayo lines. Services run roughly hourly, with faster connections to Dublin during peak periods.
- By bus: Bus Éireann route 126 links Dublin to Portlaoise via Monasterevin, providing a convenient public‑transport option.
- By air: Dublin Airport is about 70 km (45 mi) north‑east, reachable via the M7.
- By canal: The Barrowline branch of the Grand Canal links the town to the wider Irish canal network, allowing for leisurely boat trips between Athy and Portarlington.
Visitor amenities
- Parking: Free on‑street spaces are available in the town centre and near the station; a small pay‑and‑display car park is situated off Main Street for longer stays.
- Accommodation: The Stables – a boutique guesthouse set in the walled garden of a Georgian home – offers double rooms, homemade scones on arrival and a private patio. (More details at https://www.discoverireland.ie/accommodation/the-stables)
- Food & drink: Pubs and cafés line Main Street, many serving locally produced ales and spirits.
- Accessibility: The town centre’s main streets are paved and level; historic bridges retain original stone arches but have been fitted with modern handrails where needed. Sections of the Barrow Blueway towpath are wheelchair‑friendly.
Seasonal notes
The town’s calendar includes occasional cultural events such as the Gerard Manley Hopkins Literary Festival (now held in nearby Newbridge) and local GAA matches featuring Monasterevin G.F.C.. Summer months see increased activity along the canal towpath, while the autumn foliage along the Barrow provides a particularly photogenic backdrop.
Useful contacts
- Monasterevin Community Council – information on local events and community projects (website not provided in source).
- Irish Rail enquiries – customer service (phone: 1850 555 555).
Monasterevin’s blend of historic architecture, waterways and a surprisingly modern spirit makes it a rewarding stop for any itinerary through the Irish midlands. Whether you’re tracing the route of the 1903 Gordon Bennett Cup, exploring the engineering feats of the Grand Canal aqueduct, or simply enjoying a quiet walk along the Barrow, the town offers a distinctive slice of Irish heritage that feels both intimate and grand.