Overview
Robertstown sits on the banks of the Grand Canal in the heart of County Kildare, a short two‑minute stroll from the self‑catering cottages of Robertstown Holiday Village. The village is famed for being the highest point on the Grand Canal (85 m above sea level) and for its tranquil tow‑paths that wind through lush countryside, historic bridges and the bustling Lowtown marina. Whether you are a history buff, an avid angler, or simply looking for a peaceful riverside retreat, Robertstown offers a blend of heritage, nature and modern comforts.
History
The story of Robertstown is inseparable from the Grand Canal. In 1784 the canal reached the village, turning it into a planned settlement that catered to the steady stream of passenger boats. The Grand Canal Hotel opened on 15 October 1801, quickly becoming a hub for travellers heading between Dublin and the west. At its peak the canal carried over 100,000 passengers a year. After the hotel ceased operations in 1849, it served as a barracks for the Royal Irish Constabulary (1869‑1905) before falling into disuse. By the 1970s the building was repurposed for community use and now houses a small museum and gallery showcasing local canal artefacts.
A notable feature of the village is the restored 52‑metre wooden barge Eustace, once used to transport goods along the canal. The barge was rescued from dereliction in the early 2000s and, after a meticulous restoration funded by Fáilte Ireland, now sits on a slipway near the Lowtown marina as a tangible reminder of the canal’s commercial past.
The Robertstown Community Amenities Association (RTG Ltd.) was formed in 2008, securing a €500,000 grant for a new community centre. Recent projects include the refurbishment of the historic barge and the development of the Robertstown Eco‑Park – a wetlands‑style visitor area with boardwalks, a wildlife pond and interpretive signage about the local peatland ecosystem.
What to See & Do
Canal Cruise
A three‑hour cruise along the Grand Canal offers a unique perspective on the landscape. The trip, priced at €150 per party and including a light lunch, departs from Robertstown Holiday Village. Booking details can be obtained directly from the village office.
| Service | Duration | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canal Cruise | 3 hours | €150 | Light lunch, guided commentary |
Walking & Cycling
The Grand Canal Way stretches 117 km from Dublin to Shannon Harbour, with Robertstown positioned at the convenient crossroads of the Barrowline Canal and the Barrow Way. Flat tow‑paths make the routes suitable for all fitness levels. From Lowtown you can head west toward Edenderry (21 mi), south to Athy (13 mi), or north‑east toward Dublin (12 mi). Cyclists should note that some sections are grassy verges, ideal for mountain bikes.
Kayaking & Paddle‑boarding
The calm waters of the Grand Canal at Robertstown are ideal for stand‑up paddle‑boarding and recreational kayaking. Rental equipment is available from the Lowtown Marina shop during the summer months (May‑September). No licence is required for non‑motorised craft on the canal.
Fishing
The Grand Canal is renowned for coarse fishing. Species such as pike, tench, bream, roach and stickleback are abundant, and a licence is not required for the canal stretch passing through Robertstown. Accessible fishing stands are available at Ballyteague (≈1 mi away). Bait can be sourced from TJ O’Mahoney’s Hardware in Prosperous (+353 45 841720) or Countryman Angling in Naas (+353 45 879341). For specific queries, contact Karen at the Holiday Village (+353 45 870870).
Family Activities
- Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park – A short 10‑minute drive brings you to a bog‑land wonderland featuring recreated historic dwellings, a fairy bower, indoor play area, outdoor adventure playground, road‑train and crazy golf. Tel: +353 45 870238, Lullymore Heritage Park.
- The Bog of Allen Nature Centre – Operated by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, the centre showcases peat‑free gardens, insect‑eating plants, a traditional cottage kitchen and a protected bog (Lodge Bog). Tel: +353 45 860133, IPCC.
Nature & Wildlife
The Robertstown Eco‑Park, opened in 2015, provides a short boardwalk through reed‑beds and a shallow pond that attracts kingfishers, herons and a variety of waterfowl. Bird‑watchers often spot swans and moorhens along the tow‑path. Dogs are welcome on the tow‑paths but must be kept on a lead near the wildlife area.
Events & Festivals
- Robertstown Vintage Fair – Held on the first weekend of June each year, the fair showcases classic cars, vintage tractors and local crafts. Entry is free; food stalls line the canal banks.
- Robertstown Festas – A community celebration revived in 2022, featuring traditional music, dance performances and a family fun zone. Takes place in August, coinciding with the peak of the summer tourist season.
- Four Potts Well Heritage Day – Although the well itself lies a short 3 km walk north of the village, the annual heritage day (usually late May) includes guided walks and talks about the Grand Canal’s historic overflow structure. See Four Potts Well.
Getting Here & Parking
- By road – Robertstown is accessed via the R403 (Naas‑Kildare‑Athy) and the R415 (Kildare‑Mullingar). Signage for “Robertstown Holiday Village” appears shortly after the Lowtown round‑about.
- Public transport – The nearest Bus Éireann stop is in Prosperous (route 126) – a 5‑minute walk from the village. The closest train station is Kildare (approximately 12 km north), with regular services to Dublin and Cork.
- Parking – Free on‑site parking is available for Holiday Village guests and for visitors at the Lowtown Marina (limited spaces, first‑come‑first‑served). There is also a small public car park off Lowtown Road for day‑trippers.
Accessibility & Family Friendly
All eight self‑catering cottages are ground‑level, wheelchair‑accessible and equipped with free Wi‑Fi, peat fires and fully stocked kitchens. The tow‑paths are mostly paved but some sections near the Eco‑Park are gravel; sturdy walking shoes are recommended for wheelchair users. Fishing stands at Ballyteague are designed for disabled anglers. The village centre includes a single public house (Weld’s Pub), a mini‑market and a grocery shop, ensuring daily necessities are within easy reach.
Practical Information
Robertstown Holiday Village provides eight self‑catering cottages, each with its own entrance, patio, free Wi‑Fi and an open peat fire. Cottages sleep four to five adults, are ground‑level and wheelchair‑accessible, and include fully equipped kitchens, linens and towels. Private on‑site parking is ample.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | (unavailable – verify) |
| Phone | +353 45 870870 |
| Address | Lowtown Road, Robertstown, Co. Kildare, Ireland |
| Accessibility | All cottages ground‑level, wheelchair‑friendly; fishing stands for disabled anglers at Ballyteague |
| Nearby Golf | The K Club, Carton House, Highfield, Millicent, Naas, Woodlands |
| Transport | 12 km NW of Naas; 1‑hour drive from Dublin Airport; easy access via regional roads |
The village centre retains a single public house, a mini‑market and a traditional grocery shop, ensuring daily necessities are within easy reach. Seasonal events include the annual vintage fair in June and the historic Robertstown Festas, a legacy of the 1960s‑70s community celebrations.
For navigation, the coordinates of Robertstown are 53.269268 N, ‑6.815316 W. Detailed walking maps are available from the Holiday Village office and online at the Robertstown Walking PDF.