The regeneration of Emily Square represents a significant investment in the public realm of Athy, transforming the town’s historic centre into a more welcoming, legible and people-focused civic space. Central to the redesign is a bespoke stone feature that celebrates Athy’s relationship with the River Barrow, which has shaped the town’s history, economy and landscape.
A Linear Artwork Through the Heart of the Square
We were commissioned by Stonepave to produce the square’s 40-metre-long centrepiece, a continuous stone installation that runs through the heart of Emily Square and acts as both a visual anchor and an interpretive element within the space.
Fabricated in limestone, the feature combines engraved stonework, metal inlay and surface texturing to create a layered, tactile public artwork that can be read and experienced as people move through the square.
Stainless Steel Lettering in Limestone
The centrepiece incorporates stainless steel lettering inlaid directly into the limestone paving. Each letter was precision-cut and carefully installed to sit flush within the stone, providing clarity, durability and a contemporary contrast to the natural material.
The use of stainless steel ensures long-term performance in a busy town-centre environment, while maintaining a clean, understated appearance that integrates seamlessly with the wider paving scheme.
Mapping the River Barrow in Stone
Running the full length of the installation is a stylised outline of the River Barrow, traced through the limestone using a combination of sandblasted and flamed finishes. The contrast between these textures allows the river’s form to be read clearly within the paving, changing subtly with light and weather conditions.
To further emphasise the river’s journey, each lough along the Barrow is marked with a dedicated spotlight, creating points of illumination that bring the artwork to life after dark and encourage engagement with the narrative embedded in the stone.
Public Realm Built for Use and Longevity
Designed to be walked on, sat beside and encountered daily, the Emily Square centrepiece was engineered for long-term durability and minimal maintenance. The materials and finishes were carefully selected to withstand heavy footfall while retaining legibility and visual quality over time.
Rather than functioning as a standalone monument, the artwork is fully integrated into the paving, becoming part of the everyday experience of the square.
Stonework That Tells a Local Story
This project demonstrates how engraved stone, metal inlay and surface finishing can be combined to create meaningful public-realm features that reflect local identity. At Emily Square, the River Barrow is not simply referenced — it is mapped, marked and illuminated, allowing the story of place to unfold underfoot.
We are proud to have contributed to a project that uses stone craftsmanship to connect landscape, history and community within Athy’s renewed town centre.
