AthyPhotos

Some of the housing estates around the area have religious shrines / grottos that were built and are maintained by the residents. It is a lovely piece of local history and culture and displays a wonderful sense of community and belonging.

Part 9

The final part of our series is the most famous and visible of the grottos. It is located at Rathstewart. It was erected in the mid 1950s as part of the Marian Year celebrations.

For years it was maintained by the residents of St. Joseph's Terrace who ensured that it was always in immaculate condition, Currently it is under the stewardship of the local ONE (Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann). They have continued the great work and have not only preserved the grotto have also make some beautiful additions.

Well done to all who have cared and cherished this for the last 70 years.

Tucked away on the grounds of St. Vincent's Hospital, Athy is a famine memorial sculpture. It was installed in February 2000. The piece is titled "Famine Family" and the artist is James McKenna.

Some of the housing estates around the area have religious shrines / grottos that were built and are and maintained by the residents. It is a lovely piece of local history and culture and displays a wonderful sense of community and belonging.

Part 8

Just across St. Dominic;s Park is Malone Place.That is the next stop on our grotto tour. It is the smallest estate with a grotto.

It has nice surroundings but probably could do with a little tidy up. Perhaps with the school holidays, there will be a few students with a bit of spare time on their hands.

I don't have any details about this installation but if anyone has info please share them in the comments below.

W**d planters - Mount Hawkins, Athy June 2026

Mount Hawkins, Athy - June 2026

I was in Carlow town earlier today. Compare and contrast the streetscape of Carlow to Athy. Carlow is vibrant and alive.

What are they doing right?

What are we doing wrong?

Can we change?????

Some of the housing estates around the area have religious shrines / grottos that were built and are and maintained by the residents. It is a lovely piece of local history and culture and displays a wonderful sense of community and belonging.

Part 7

For this featured grotto we remain in the Woodstock area. We have the beautiful installation in St. Dominic;s Park. It is one of the older grottos and it has been wonderfully minded down through the years.

The statue was initially donated by a resident of the estate, Mr Tom Langton. Since then it has been a source of extreme pride for the people of the area. It is the first grotto in this series to feature someone other than our Blessed Mother Mary.

I appreciate that it has been a combined effort of the local community to keep in looking so well but I will mention the late Terry and Judy Holligan as particularly hard workers in this respect. They have gone to their eternal reward but St. Dominic remains proud and strong.

If anyone has further details please share them in the comments below

Beautiful wild flowers on the Athy SDR.

Giving nature a chance - Athy, June 2026

Some of the housing estates around the area have religious shrines / grottos that were built and are and maintained by the residents. It is a lovely piece of local history and culture and displays a wonderful sense of community and belonging.

Part 6

Next up we are back in the Woodstock area, Canal Walk to be precise. It is located near the bank on the Grand Canal. It has lovely surroundings and is really well cared for. There is a little plaque with the inscription.

"Canal Walk Grotto - May 2017

Many thanks to the TUS workers for their generous help. Also a huge thanks to Leanne Donovan from Just Within Reach, Athy for her generous donation of Our Lady. Another thanks to Quinns of Athy for the chippings they donated."

Based on the date this is probably the newest grotto in the area.

If anyone has further details please share them in the comments below