Robertstown, County Kildare
| Roberstown Baile Roibeard | |
|---|---|
| Town | |
|
Robertstown and the Grand Canal and Hotel | |
  Roberstown Location in Ireland | |
| Coordinates: 53°16′14″N 6°49′00″W / 53.27065°N 6.81677°WCoordinates: 53°16′14″N 6°49′00″W / 53.27065°N 6.81677°W | |
| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Leinster |
| County | County Kildare |
| Elevation | 85 m (279 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Urban | 669 |
| Time zone | WET (UTC+0) |
| • Summer (DST) | IST (WEST) (UTC-1) |
| Irish Grid Reference | N786252 |
Robertstown is a small village situated on the banks of the Grand Canal in County Kildare, Ireland. It grew in importance on the arrival of the canal, at the highest level (85 metres (279 ft) above sea level) of which it lies, in 1784.
Grand Canal Hotel
In 1801 the Grand Canal Hotel was opened to cater for the passenger traffic along the canal and an extension was added in 1804. For a time business was good, with the canal carrying 100,000 passengers per year, but revenues began to fall and gradually the 72 windows and 62 hearths were closed up to avoid paying tax.[1] It ceased being a hotel in 1849, was used as a barracks for the Irish Constabulary between 1869 and 1905 and has recently been used as a community centre. It is currently closed and in private ownership.
Modern times
There are three public house's in the village and two supermarkets. Developments include a set of canal-side cottages, and Lowtown Marina,[2] with boats for sale and other services. The town caters for tourism with canal walks, fishing and an annual vintage fair which takes place in June every year.
A local group, Robertstown Community Amenities Association (RCAA Ltd.) was formed in 2008 with the aim to build a community centre on lands promised, with an added grant of 500,000 euro, to the community by Failte Ireland when the hotel was sold to a private buyer. A canal barge, 52M Eustace, was also to be transferred.
Wildlife
Ducks, swans and herons, fish such as pike bream and stickleback, and mammals such as shrew, weasel and rat, are all observed locally.
Demographics
In the 2002 Census, Robertstown had a population of 375. It had grown by 65.6% to 621 by 2006, and the 2011 census 2011 shows a population of over 2000.
Sport
Robertstown GAA is based in Brockagh Park in Robertstown. There is also a soccer team, Bridgewood FC, 3 time winners of the Luslums Cup.
See also
External links
Notes
- ↑ Guide to the Grand Canal of Ireland. Waterways Service and Inland Waterways Association of Ireland. 1995.
- ↑ Lowtown Marina
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