Leixlip Spa: An 18th-Century Mineral Spring
Discover the historical Leixlip Spa, a mineral spring retreat from the 1700s, nestled beside the scenic Royal Canal in County Kildare.
Nestled in Leixlip, Co. Kildare, the 18th Century Spa, or Leixlip Spa, presents a unique glimpse into Ireland's past. Discovered in 1793 by workers constructing the Royal Canal, the site quickly became a popular destination for those seeking the purported health benefits of its mineral spring. The spa, also known as Louisa Bridge Spa, after Louisa Connolly, wife of Royal Canal Director Thomas Connolly, attracted crowds from Dublin and beyond. The Royal Canal Company rerouted the warm spring into a hexagonal pond, from which the water flowed to a brick basin used as a bath. Historical records note that the spa was a bustling social hub, with numerous coaches, carriages, and horsemen visiting on a single day. Although there were plans to develop the spa further with a pump-house and hotel, they never materialized. Over time, the spa's popularity declined, and it fell into disrepair. However, efforts have been made to preserve and restore the site, recognizing its ecological, historical, and archaeological significance. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the spa, including the hexagonal spring well and Romanesque bath, and appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The site lies along the Great Famine Heritage Trail and features a sculpture of bronze shoes commemorating the Strokestown Famine Emigrants.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the area around the spa can be muddy and uneven.
- Bring a camera to capture the scenic views of the Royal Canal and the surrounding landscape.
- Explore the nearby Leixlip Waterfall, a short walk from the spa.
- Visit Leixlip Castle, another historical attraction in the town.
A brief summary to 18th Century Spa
- Leixlip, Co. Kildare, IE
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
From Louisa Bridge train station, the Leixlip Spa is a short walk. Exit the station and follow the path along the Royal Canal. Head west, and you'll find the spa on the left-hand side, a few minutes from the bridge. Look for a small trail leading down to the site. The path can be muddy, so wear appropriate footwear. No costs are associated with walking to the spa.
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Public Transport
Take the train to Louisa Bridge Station. From Dublin, the train fare is approximately €3-5 for a single trip. Upon exiting the station, follow the walking directions to reach the Leixlip Spa, which is a short walk along the Royal Canal.
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Taxi
From Leixlip town center, a taxi to the Leixlip Spa will cost approximately €8-12. Ask the driver to take you to Louisa Bridge and drop you off near the Royal Canal. From there, it's a short walk to the spa. Note that parking near the spa is limited.
