The Gordon Bennett Route, through Counties Kildare, Carlow and Laois
07/01/2012 The Gordon Bennett Road Race was first held in 1903. The route which is signposted covers 166km/104miles in a figure of 8 through Counties Kildare, Carlow and Laois. Memorabilia from the first race is on display in Athy Heritage Centre.
Lower Loop: Ballyshannon Crossroads-Carlow-Athy-Ballyshannon Crossroads
Upper Loop: Ballyshannon Crossroads- Kildare-Monasterevin-Stradbally-Athy-Ballyshannon Crossroads.
The Lower Loop starts from Ballyshannon Crossroads and continues through a number of villages to Carlow, returning via Athy to the starting point.
The first of these villages is Old Kilcullen where you can see the ruins of a monastery. Kilgowan is next with its Long Stone. On now to Ballitore and the Quaker Museum and then to the Irish Pewter Mill in Timolin. Moone has an excellent High Cross while in Castledermot there are the ruins of an Abbey, Round Tower and High Cross. Next stop Carlow which has a Military Museum, a Cathedral and a Castle Ruin. If you wish you can return via Athy (Whites Castle & Bridge) to the starting point at Ballyshannon Crossroads. This completes the lower loop.
The Upper Loop starts from Ballyshannon Crossroads taking you through Kildare(Curragh Racecourse, Kildare Heritage Centre, Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens), Monasterevin(many bridges and connection with the poet Gerald Manley Hopkins). Close to Monasterevin are the beautiful Moore Abbey Wood, magnificent Emo Court & Gardens, Maryborough Heath Iron Age Site and Morette Castle Ruins. Continue on to Stradbally(Steam Museum) and the Windy Gap view. There are great views from the Windy Gap and its a great spot for a picnic. Continue on to Athy and the finish at Ballyshannon Crossroads.
Of course you may not want to keep returning to Ballyshannon Crossroads. Instead of following the exact figure of 8 route you could complete it as a circuit.
For more detailed information and maps be sure to visit www.gordonbennettroute.com. This is the official site for this route with loads of information and maps.