Walking time: Approx 3- 4hrs, Distance: 12Km. Ascent: 100m
Graded: Easy
Terrain: Mix of footpaths, tracks, roads and canal towpath.
Meeting at Castletown House we will meet local guide and historian Breda Konstantine to give us some history and folklore along this trail.
About The Walk: The trail begins where two rivers meet, the Liffey and the Rye, providing stunning views that set the scene for this enchanting journey. Leixlip was where Arthur’s vision became a reality.
Across the water you will be struck by the imposing Leixlip Castle which has parts dating back 1172 and the time of the Norman invasions. This building provides the strongest living link to Arthur as it was purchased by his descendant Desmond Guinness in 1958.
Next we head for Celbridge, the place where Arthur spent his childhood and learned the brewing craft at his father’s side. Locals give a nod to the entrepreneur with an imposing statue in the heart of the town.
Then we walk towards the Grand Canal, Hazel hatch, Lyons Estate and eventually Oughterard.
Note: We may be doing this walk starting from Oughterard.
Arthur Guinness story began in the small village of Celbridge in 1725. Where he spent most of his youth with his family and where he learned his trade from his father who work for Arthur Price, the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Cashel.
Arthur Guinness set up his first brewery in Leixlip, Co Kildare, in 1756 after he was left a 100 pounds inheritance by his godfather, Archbishop Arthur Price. As the business was a great success, Arthur sucured a new property by aquiring the 9,000 year lease and located his brewing business in the heart of Dublin City at St. James’s Gate and for the past three hundred year Guinness is been brewed there.
Walk in Arthur’s footsteps: The Trail is set out in four stages
Leixlip to Celebridge
Celbridge – Hazelhatch
Hazelhatch – Lyons Estate
Lyons Estate – Oughterard.
You can download brochure here:
How to get there:
The the M4 past Lucan and then come off at exit 6 for Celbridge
Approx 30 minutes from Dublin city.
