AthyPhotos

AthyPhotos A socially engaged photograher based in south Kildare. Looking and capturing life through a lens. Kildare, Ireland.

Here I showcase a collection of photos from the town of Athy and the surrounding area in Co.

Part 5 of 32MEMORIES OF LAMBE’S PUB On the corner of Duke Street and Green Alley once stood one of the most famous pubs ...
24/07/2026

Part 5 of 32

MEMORIES OF LAMBE’S PUB

On the corner of Duke Street and Green Alley once stood one of the most famous pubs in Athy. In my time, it was run by Paddy and Anne Lambe. Because of its great location near Terga and Minch Norton’s, it was always a favourite local hub for workers after a long shift.

It was also a house steeped in music. Legendary names like Eamonn Walsh, Denis Chanders, S**i Walsh, and Ambi McConville immediately spring to mind. The pub and its wonderful characters were even featured heavily in the late Robert Redmond’s book about Athy.

It went through a couple of name changes. First came the “Mansion House” in recognition of Cuddy Chanders winning the local lord mayor charity election Later, and I am not sure exactly when the name changed to "The Goalpost,"

One of my absolute abiding memories is from the 1990 World Cup. Right after Ireland’s famous penalty shootout win against Romania, the entire crowd spilled out onto Duke Street in the most incredible, jovial mood!

What are your favourite memories of Lambe's? Drop your stories and photos in the comments below!

Back Square, Athy - July 2026
24/07/2026

Back Square, Athy - July 2026

Long hot summer - The Bleach, Athy - July 2026
24/07/2026

Long hot summer - The Bleach, Athy - July 2026

Part 4 of 32Remembering a Legendary Athy Pub: Barney Dunne’s on Duke Street A look back at a cornerstone of Athy’s socia...
23/07/2026

Part 4 of 32

Remembering a Legendary Athy Pub: Barney Dunne’s on Duke Street A look back at a cornerstone of Athy’s social and sporting history.

Barney Dunne left his native Cavan in the 1930s, arriving in Athy to work as a barman. After honing his trade in several local pubs, he bought this business on Duke Street from Ned Carroll in 1945.

A lifelong bachelor, Barney ran the iconic spot. He was later joined by his nephews, Pat and Andy. For decades, it was the absolute home of greyhound racing and GAA football in Athy. Barney wasn’t just behind the bar either—he was a powerhouse on the pitch, winning four Kildare Senior Championships with Athy.

Sadly, the pub closed its doors following Barney's passing in 2007 at the age of 94, and it has remained frozen in time since.

What are your favourite memories of Barney, Pat, Andy, or a night out in there? Drop your stories and photos in the comments below!

Three shades of green, Dry Dock, Athy - July 2026
23/07/2026

Three shades of green, Dry Dock, Athy - July 2026

Duke Street, Athy - July 2026
23/07/2026

Duke Street, Athy - July 2026

Beautification at the Dry Dock, Athy - July 2026
23/07/2026

Beautification at the Dry Dock, Athy - July 2026

Part 3 of 32Steeped in history, sporting pride, and local memories, Clancy’s is one of the town’s oldest surviving tradi...
22/07/2026

Part 3 of 32

Steeped in history, sporting pride, and local memories, Clancy’s is one of the town’s oldest surviving traditional pubs. First opening its doors in the early 1900s, this historic building originally operated as a traditional grocery and bar combo.

It is famous for hosting Ireland's longest-running traditional music session every single Thursday night—an unbroken tradition since 1966!

Looking back to the early 1980s, the pub was under the wonderful guidance of Mrs. Clancy, who was ably assisted by her son, Ger. Though both have sadly passed away, their legacy remains an integral part of our community. Ger was a legendary servant of both Athy RFC and Athy GFC, winning major honours on the pitch with both clubs.

Now under the management of Emma O’Brien, Clancy's beautifully balances its rich heritage with modern comforts. While the front bar maintains its timeless, traditional layout, the back of the pub has expanded to include a stylish cocktail bar and a spacious outdoor beer garden.

Part 2 of 32Remembering Mick Noonan’s on Stanhope Street The Greyhound Bar was once a complete hive of activity. Thanks ...
21/07/2026

Part 2 of 32

Remembering Mick Noonan’s on Stanhope Street

The Greyhound Bar was once a complete hive of activity. Thanks to its close proximity to the Parish Church, it was the ultimate calling post for wedding and funeral goers alike. In fact, many a local groom enjoyed his last “freedom pint” right here!
The premises came into the hands of Michael Noonan, a former local Garda, in the mid-1940s. The pub actually got its name from Michael’s own greyhound, "Bella's Prince." While the dog had a modest racing track record, he was highly in demand for stud purposes. Rumour has it that those very stud fees financed the purchase of the property!

The pub was later taken over by his son, Michael. (Another son, Des, had a pub on Leinster Street which I will feature in the coming weeks!)

The Greyhound Bar was always well supported by Rheban GFC and the Kilberry community. I also fondly remember it as the go-to "afters" venue for the Athy Musical and Dramatic Society performers.

Sadly, it closed its doors in the summer of 2005. Recently, it was the subject of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) by Kildare County Council. Hopefully, this process will soon lead to the building being repurposed for much-needed housing.

What are your favourite memories of The Greyhound Bar? Share them in the comments below!

They came prepared. Here is a photo showing pieces of fire lighters on a bit of hay. The two individuals were disturbed ...
21/07/2026

They came prepared. Here is a photo showing pieces of fire lighters on a bit of hay. The two individuals were disturbed before have a chance to light it.

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