AthyPhotos

St. John's Lane, Athy - August 2026.

Back in the days come break time from the CBS Secondary school this was the handball alley. Innocent times.

Catherine McCauley Park, Athy - August 2026

Well prepared for the forthcoming 40 days and 40 nights of rain.

Grand Canal, Athy - August 2026

Part 13 of 32

REMEMBERING KANE’S BAR & LOUNGE (No. 11 LEINSTER STREET)

For many generations of Athy locals, No. 11 Leinster Street was the ultimate go-to spot for a great night out, a warm welcome, and a proper community atmosphere.

Originally known to older generations as the historic Railway Hotel, the premises took on a brilliant new lease of life in 1974 when Margaret and Liam Kane opened Kane’s Bar and Lounge.
From the second you walked in, you were greeted by that iconic, welcoming open fire and the spotless, lovely décor. It truly felt like a home away from home.

Kane's was a massive part of the fabric of Athy life:

Home of the Athy Angling Club: The perfect spot for local anglers to gather and swap stories about the day's catch.

The Pool Table Room: Countless frames, friendly rivalries, and laughs were shared in the room at the back.

Live Music & DJs: The place absolutely came alive on the weekends with fantastic tunes and a packed dance floor.

The Ultimate Party Venue: If you grew up in Athy, chances are you or someone you know celebrated a landmark birthday, anniversary, or family event here!

I think the doors closed for the final time around 2010, marking the end of an era for Leinster Street, but the memories certainly haven't faded. Perhaps someone can clarify the year

Did you spend your weekends by the open fire at Kane's? Were you a member of the Angling Club, or did you celebrate a big party there? Share your favourite memories, stories, and photos in the comments below!

77 Leinster Street, Athy – August 2026

Another trip down memory lane on Leinster Street! This particular premises holds a fascinating history for the town.

The 1990s: A Taste of Something New

Back around 1990, this building became home to the very first Chinese restaurant/takeaway in Athy, opening its doors as the iconic “Seng Ping”. It proved to be the first of many to grace our town!

The 1980s: The Great CB Radio Craze

Go back another ten years to the early 1980s, and this spot was an electronics shop called Wigwam. It was run by Graeme Friedland, a former manager of Peerless Rugs. Wigwam was the ultimate hotspot for CB radios during the massive craze that swept across Ireland at the time!

Upper William Street, Athy - August 2026

Part 12 of 32

Nortons - an Athy traditions that stand the test of time.

You know you’re starting to feel a little bit older when you realize you are now watching the third generation of the same family run your local!

In a fast-changing modern world, it is absolutely wonderful to see deep-rooted family traditions continue right here on Leinster Street.

For many of us, our first memories of this iconic spot go back to Tom Norton and his wife Mai, who ably ran the highly successful “Nags Head.” Following in their footsteps, their son Peter and his wife Helen took over, truly making it a warm family affair.
Today, the family legacy is alive and well, with Peter and Helen’s son, Adrian, proudly standing behind the bar!

While the years have flown by, the core of what makes this place special hasn't changed a bit. It was, and still remains, a pub and lounge defined by a warm, friendly atmosphere. A fiercely loyal customer base spans generations, drawing great characters from both Athy town and the rural hinterland.

The premises is always kept in pristine condition inside and out. Plus, those beautiful annual flower displays always bring a brilliant splash of colour to Leinster Street!

Here’s to the Norton family, three generations of top-class hospitality, and many more pints and chats to come.

Drop a comment below with your favourite memories of the Nags Head over the years!

Athy Library - August 2026

Does anyone know where and when the first Chinese Takeaway or Restaurant opened in Athy?

Part 11 of 32

REMEMBERING THE HUNTING GROUND

Just a short distance out of town on the Dublin Road stands a building that holds a special place in the hearts of many generations of Athy people. Today, it’s best known as the home of the busy weekly Saturday market and lively Bingo evenings run by current owner Barry McGovern—but back in the day, it was a legendary, thriving pub!

Who remembers the days when it was run by Alfie Coyle? Alfie, a well-known butcher by trade in the town, completely reinvented himself as a publican and welcomed everyone through the doors.

Down through the years, the building changed hands and names a few times.

Depending on when you frequented it, you might remember it as:

• The Hunting Ground
• The Ardscull Inn
• The Breffni Arms

Other surnames I remember as landlords through the years are Killalea, Howard and Brennan. They took their turns behind the bar, keeping the pints flowing and the chats lively.

While the pub doors closed for the final time as a bar around 2010, the memories made inside those walls live on.

Drop your favourite memories and photos in the comments below!