DESTINATION
Things to See & Do
The Blueway Arts Studio is located off the beaten track in Narraghmore, County Kildare – a small village that extends a great welcome in Ireland’s Ancient East. And there are lots of great things to see and do nearby! I create designs and host workshops here in the village’s old band hall, and I also host mobile workshops in other characterful locations across Kildare and beyond.
If you’re visiting Narraghmore to attend an art workshop at the Blueway Art Studio, do take time to meet the locals at the community cafe, relax in the local gastropub, and look for treasures in the beautiful antiques shop. There are lots of great things to do and story-filled places to see within easy reach in Kildare, and nearby Carlow and Wicklow.
My studio is close to the Barrow Blueway, which inspired its name, and Narraghmore is also just 10 minutes’ drive from the heritage town of Athy, where you’ll find The Shackleton Museum and Frank O’Brien’s pub. There are wonderful boat tours on offer, and there are lovely walks to be had along the River Barrow or the Grand Canal.
All around the Blueway Art Studio, the lush landscapes, ancient sites and compelling stories of Ireland’s Ancient East are just waiting to be discovered – I know you’ll find this area as inspiring as I do!
Paddle on the Barrow Blueway
Get out on the water, and explore nearby walking and cycling trails, when the Barrow Blueway opens in autumn 2022. The route, which will run from Lowtown in Kildare, through the towns of Rathangan, Monasterevin, and Vicarstown to Athy, is a brilliant way to get to know this lovely part of Kildare!
Irish National Stud
Meet the thoroughbred horses Kildare is famed for at the National Stud, where you can immerse yourself in the art of training and racing horses at the immersive Irish Thoroughbred Experience. Be sure to visit the Stud’s magical Japanese gardens while you’re there too!
Duckett’s Grove
The towers and turrets of Duckett’s Grove Walled Gardens, just over the border in Co Carlow, and the vibrant planting in its Pleasure Grounds will delight any artist’s eye! Meanwhile, the weekly guided tours offer great insights into the lives of the Duckett family who owned the estate for centuries.
Shackleton’s Kildare Connections
The Shackleton Museum in Athy is a great place to connect with Kildare’s history. I love to visit the permanent exhibition about Ernest Shackleton, the Kildare-born polar explorer who shared my passion for creating notebooks! It’s amazing to see the original sledge and harness from his Antarctic expeditions on display.
Frank O’Brien’s Pub
A visit to Frank O’Brien’s pub afterwards would be a great way to round off a brilliant Kildare day out! Its many accolades include oldest pub in Athy, one of best family pubs in Ireland, and one of the Sunday Tribune’s top one hundred pubs in Ireland.
Places to stay near the Blueway Art Studio
When people join me here for workshops in Kildare, they often plan to stay for a few nights to explore the area further and relax for a few days. Here are a few suggestions about great places to stay near Athy and Narraghmore.
Castle
Prepare to feel like royalty when you enter the grounds of one of the oldest inhabited Castles in Ireland. With a history dating back to 1180, Kilkea Castle captures the mystical charm of a 12th Century majestic Castle with the overwhelming allure of timeless sophistication and style.
B&B
Blackrath Farmhouse B&B Colbinstown Dunlavin County Kildare was Established in 1992 a former hunting Lodge is a Traditional Bed and Breakfast accommodation in the beautiful and unspoilt region of Ballitore quaker Village. Failte Ireland Approved Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast hosted by Patricia Doyle.
Lodge
Moate Lodge built by the Duke of Leinster, dates back to 1776 and is a place of peace and tranquility. Owned and operated by Raymond and Mary Pelin. Traditional Irish hospitality combined with personal attention guarantees your comfort and safety.
Places to eat
in Narraghmore
The local community café – known as The Old Hardware – is a great place to find hand-made scones or cakes, and Mel’s Gastro Pub across the road from the Blueway Studio, serves food from 2pm at the weekends and from 5pm during the week. There are lots of options for places to stay, eat and drink in nearby Athy too.