- River Liffey (Athy): Near the town of Athy, the River Liffey offers a popular wild swimming spot, particularly near the grassy banks and small boat jetty across from the Aldi supermarket. It’s frequented by the Athy Triathlon Club and local swimmers for its accessible entry points. A tranquil riverside setting with grassy banks and views of Athy’s historic buildings, including the 16th-century White’s Castle. The surrounding countryside adds a peaceful charm. The river has strong, fast currents, making it suitable for confident swimmers. A slipway allows wading entry, but the water gets deep quickly. Water temperatures are typically cold (10–15°C). No lifeguards, toilets, or changing rooms. Parking is available near the jetty. Athy town offers nearby cafés like The Bay Tree for post-swim refreshments. Water quality is rated Good/Moderate by the EPA for environmental purposes, but not specifically tested for swimming. Wear a tow float for visibility, swim with a companion, and avoid periods of heavy rain due to potential runoff. Strong currents require caution.
- Grand Canal: The Grand Canal near Kearneystown, Ardclough, Sherlockstown and Sallins, particularly around the village’s canal basin and lock, is a lesser-known spot where locals occasionally swimmers, despite no swimming signs strategically placed along the banks. The calm, slow-moving waters make it an appealing choice for a gentle dip. A serene, tree-lined canal with picturesque lock houses and views of Kildare’s flat, green countryside. The area feels tranquil and secluded. Shallow, calm waters (10–15°C) are ideal for beginners, with easy access via canal banks or steps near the lock. The canal’s narrow width suits short swims or leisurely floats. No lifeguards or dedicated amenities. Parking is available in Sallins village, with pubs like the Canal View Bar nearby for warming up post-swim. Water quality is not tested for swimming (EPA rates canals as moderate). Check for weeds or debris, and avoid boat traffic. Swim with a companion and use a tow float for safety.
- River Barrow (Monasterevin): The River Barrow, flowing through Monasterevin, is a quieter spot for wild swimming in Kildare, used by locals for its gentle flow and accessible banks. It’s less documented than Athy but offers a scenic alternative. A peaceful riverside with grassy banks, willows, and views of Monasterevin’s historic distillery buildings and canal locks, creating a charming, rural atmosphere. The river’s moderate flow and shallow areas near the banks suit cautious swimmers, though deeper sections exist. Water is cold (10–15°C), and the riverbed may be uneven, requiring swim shoes. No lifeguards, toilets, or changing facilities. Parking is available in Monasterevin town, with nearby cafés like The Coffee Dock for post-swim treats. Water quality is generally good (EPA, 2024), but not tested for bathing. Avoid swimming after heavy rain due to runoff risks. Swim with a companion and check for currents or underwater hazards.
Kildare’s wild swimming spots are not designated bathing areas, so water quality isn’t monitored for swimming. Never swim alone, check for currents (especially in the Liffey), and monitor weather conditions. Cold water poses hypothermia risks, so wetsuits, swim shoes, and warm post-swim clothing are essential. Follow Water Safety Ireland guidelines.
Kildare’s inland geography limits wild swimming options compared to coastal counties like Dublin or lakelands like Fermanagh. The River Liffey and Grand Canal are the primary accessible spots, with the River Barrow as a secondary option. No major lakes in Kildare are noted for swimming. Bring a tow float for visibility, especially in rivers with boat traffic. Check water quality updates via the EPA (www.beaches.ie) (www.beaches.ie) or local sources. Nearby towns like Athy, Sallins, and Monasterevin offer amenities for post-swim warming up. Kildare’s wild swimming community is small but active, with groups like the Athy Triathlon Club organizing swims. Check wildswim.ie or local X groups for updates on group dips or safety tips. Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect Kildare’s rivers and canals. Avoid disturbing wildlife, such as swans or herons, and do not litter.
County Kildare:
Ireland’s county Kildare blends historic sites with lush countryside, with the National Stud and Japanese Gardens offering a unique mix of equine heritage and serene landscapes. Castletown House, a grand Palladian mansion, provides historical insights, while the Curragh’s open plains are ideal for walking. The ancient Hill of Allen adds archaeological depth, making Kildare an engaging stop for culture and nature. The new Shackleton Experience has opened in Athy. Kildare is Ireland’s eighth smallest county by size (1,694 square km) and seventh largest by population (247,774). Population reached its lowest point, 57,892 in 1936. In terms of hospitality, Kildare is Ireland’s 15th most visited tourist county with around 168,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles– Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets– Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
Wild swimming
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
