Overview
Robertstown sits at the highest point on the Grand Canal, 85 metres above sea level, on a stretch of Kildare 12 km north-west of Naas. It’s a small, quiet place – a planned settlement built to serve the canal, now given over to walkers, cyclists and anglers along the towpaths. Set your expectations to match: this is a gentle half-day of flat waterside walking and a boat trip, not a busy village. The pull is the water and the peatland heritage parks a short drive away.
A canal-side history
The village grew with the Grand Canal in the late 18th century, developed as a planned settlement for canal workers, passenger boats and freight when the waterway reached this summit level. At its height the canal moved thousands of passengers and goods between Dublin and the midlands, and local inns did well alongside it.
The most prominent survivor is the Grand Canal Hotel, opened in 1801 as a passenger hotel. Its later life traces the century: it served as a barracks for the Royal Irish Constabulary from 1869 to 1905, then passed into community use. Nearby is the 52M Eustace, a canal barge built in 1928 and restored by the local community association. The Robertstown Community Amenities Association, formed in 2008, took on the care of these heritage assets.
Walking, cycling & the towpaths
The Grand Canal Way runs directly through Robertstown, part of the network stretching from Dublin to Shannon Harbour. The towpaths here are flat and well-maintained, good for easy walks, family cycling and dog walking. Lowtown Marina, just west of the village, is the junction of the Grand Canal, where the line splits – west toward Shannon Harbour (21 miles by way of Edenderry) and south toward Athy (13 miles).
A word on bikes: some of the towpaths are grass verge rather than made path, so a hybrid or mountain bike handles them better than a road bike or city bike. Dogs are welcome year-round but should be on a lead near wildlife and the marina. The tree-lined stretches are at their best in early morning or late afternoon. Complimentary guided walks of Robertstown and the canal – about 1.5 hours – run on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays; contact Robertstown Holiday Village to arrange one.
Fishing & on the water
The canal around Robertstown is popular with coarse anglers, its calm, slow water holding pike, bream, tench, roach and stickleback. You don’t need a licence to fish the Grand Canal, though catch-and-return is expected and there’s a one rod or pole limit. Accessible fishing platforms for disabled anglers are at Ballyteague, about a mile from the village. Bait can be ordered from TJ O’Mahoney’s Hardware in Prosperous or Countryman Angling in Naas.
For a different view of the canal, a three-hour boat trip can be arranged locally through Robertstown Holiday Village for €150, light lunch included. Stand-up paddleboarding and recreational kayaking suit the calm water in warmer months – check conditions and follow standard water-safety advice.
Family-friendly attractions nearby
Robertstown makes a handy base for a few good stops within a short drive:
- Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park – A bogland park a few minutes away, with recreated historic dwellings, a fairy bower, an indoor play area and an outdoor adventure playground. Lullymore Heritage Park
- The Bog of Allen – Protected peatland with walking trails, interpretive signage and the Bog of Allen Nature Centre. Bog of Allen
- Four Potts Well – A canal overflow structure a short walk from the village, worth a look for the engineering and the setting. Four Potts Well
- Ballynafagh Lake & Leinster Aqueduct – Both within easy reach, good for birdwatching and a look at the canal’s 19th-century engineering. Ballynafagh Lake | Leinster Aqueduct
Practical information
Robertstown Holiday Village offers eight ground-level self-catering cottages, each with free Wi-Fi, open peat fires and a fully stocked kitchen. The cottages are wheelchair-accessible, with private patios and dedicated parking. For day visitors, free on-street parking is available near Lowtown Marina and along Lowtown Road, though it fills on peak summer weekends.
Public transport to the village itself is limited, but Naas and Kildare Town both have regular Bus Éireann and train services to Dublin and the midlands. One caveat for a day out: the village amenities are slim – only one pub remains open – so bring supplies or plan to eat in Naas.
For accommodation or local advice, contact the Holiday Village office on +353 45 870870; they can also help trace Kildare ancestry through the Kildare Genealogical Society, and have walking maps and canal route information on-site.