Imagine you are going to take a journey in a canoe with me, starting at Liffey Bridge and ending at Rye Bridge.
Using the aerial view of Leixlip, try and spot the following landmarks:
1. Hydroelectric Power Station
2. The Boathouse
3. Leixlip Castle
Can you see the dam?
A dam built on a river, near Hydro Electric Power Station in County Kildare.
This photograph shows a dam built on a river, near Hydro Electric Power Station in County Kildare.
A dam built on a river, near Hydro Electric Power Station in County Kildare.
A dam built on a river, near Hydro Electric Power Station in County Kildare.
This photograph shows a dam built on a river, near Hydro Electric Power Station in County Kildare.
As you travel up the river you will see the dam and the Hydroelectric Power Station. The Dam was built at Leixlip in the late 1940s.
It was built for the ESB and covered up the Salmon Leap Falls.
It was built for the ESB and covered up the Salmon Leap Falls.
It uses water from the Liffey to generate electricity. Canoeists cannot travel past the dam. They have to get out and carry the canoe during a famous race called the Liffey Descent.
Don't miss the boathouse!
Boathouse
Boathouses are built as a storage place for boats. In Ireland long ago many wealthy people built boathouses to store their boats. They used their boats for leisure activities such as fishing or relaxing. Boathouses like the one in the picture are usually located by open water, such is on a river.
Boathouse
Boathouse
Boathouses are built as a storage place for boats. In Ireland long ago many wealthy people built boathouses to store their boats. They used their boats for leisure activities such as fishing or relaxing. Boathouses like the one in the picture are usually located by open water, such is on a river.
Watch out for the boathouse on your canoe trip.
Be sure to turn right here to leave the River Liffey and travel up the River Rye.
The boathouse was built as a folly in the garden of Leixlip Castle.
Follies were often added in grand houses as attractive features with no purpose.
Try to spot the castle!
Leixlip Castle
Leixlip Castle was built around the time of the Norman Invasion in 1171. At this time only the square part of the castle was built. It was called a Keep. The round tower was later added onto the square keep in the 14th Century. The castle was a very important Norman settlement as it lay at the outer edge of the Norman territory in Ireland. This territory was called the Pale and Leixlip Castle acted as a stronghold against the native Irish.
Leixlip Castle
Leixlip Castle
Leixlip Castle was built around the time of the Norman Invasion in 1171. At this time only the square part of the castle was built. It was called a Keep. The round tower was later added onto the square keep in the 14th Century. The castle was a very important Norman settlement as it lay at the outer edge of the Norman territory in Ireland. This territory was called the Pale and Leixlip Castle acted as a stronghold against the native Irish.
As you travel up the Rye River you will find it difficult to see Leixlip Castle, which is hidden by the trees.
Your journey will end at the Rye Bridge at the gates of the Castle.
If you are lucky you may see Mr Desmond Guinness, the owner of the castle, out for a stroll.