Leixlip: River Landscapes and Guinness History

Leixlip combines a distinctive riverside setting with walking trails and a history closely connected to the Guinness family. The town lies at the confluence of the Liffey and Rye, on the border between County Kildare and Dublin. You can choose different focuses for your trip, from nature to local history.

Discover rivers and trails

The Rye Walk follows the towpath of the Royal Canal between Louisa Bridge and the Ryewater Aqueduct. It is considered a scenic, historic walking trail and forms part of the Leixlip Heritage Trail. Its features include Leixlip Waterfall and the remains of Leixlip Spa, dating from the 1790s. The trail thus brings together nature and traces of the past, though these need not make the same impression: at the waterfall, the landscape takes centre stage; at the former spa, it is the town’s history.

The Leixlip Heritage Trail runs for two kilometres through the town centre and includes six stops. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. If you are looking for a manageable themed trail, you can take its length and number of stops into account when planning your day. The Rye Walk is part of this trail, so the two names do not refer to separate, independent offerings.

The Leixlip Tree Trail offers a different perspective. It starts at Old Hill and includes eight stops. These trails and stop counts offer different points of interest, without requiring you to limit your stay to just one way of exploring.

History in the town centre and beyond

Leixlip Castle is a Norman fortress in the centre of Leixlip. It has been owned by the Guinness family since 1958. Another connection to the family dates back to 1756, when Arthur Guinness founded his first brewery in Leixlip, County Kildare. The castle and the founding of the brewery thus tell two different chapters of the town’s history. Together, they offer culture-minded travellers specific themes to guide their explorations.

Arthur’s Way is also connected to Arthur Guinness. The 16-kilometre trail follows his life from birth to death; Leixlip is considered an ideal starting point. If you would like to make this trail the focus of your trip, its connection to the town’s history is a natural reason to choose Leixlip as a destination. The Heritage Trail is another appealing option for a holiday with children: its stated suitability for all ages and fitness levels applies to this trail.

Choose Leixlip for your holiday

When looking for a holiday rental, you can first consider whether you are most drawn to the riverside landscape, the themed trails or Guinness history. Leixlip Louisa Bridge railway station is also in Leixlip, County Kildare. You can use the station as a reference point for finding your way around.

More places to consider when planning your trip: Johnstown, Moone, Straffan, Kilmartin, Naas, Ballitore, Kilcullen, Clane.

View the wider travel guide: County Kildare.