The journey begins at the heart of Kildare, in the bustling Market Square, where the town’s heritage as a medieval market centre comes alive amidst Georgian buildings and the modern buzz of cafes and shops. Dominating the square is the silhouette of St Brigid’s Cathedral, a 13th-century gem built on the site of a 5th-century monastic settlement founded by Ireland’s patroness herself. A ten-minute amble around the cathedral grounds reveals its ancient round tower, one of Ireland’s finest, standing 108 feet tall and offering adventurous climbers a panoramic view of the Curragh plains, though sturdy shoes are a must for the steep ascent. The nearby fire temple site, linked to St Brigid’s eternal flame, adds a mystical touch, inviting reflection on the town’s sacred past.
From the cathedral, a 12-minute walk along Dublin Road leads to the Irish National Stud and Gardens, a world-renowned centre of equine excellence set against the lush backdrop of the Curragh. This sprawling estate, home to champion thoroughbreds, offers glimpses of sleek horses grazing in paddocks, while its Japanese Gardens, designed in 1906, provide a serene oasis of koi ponds, arched bridges, and vibrant flora. A leisurely wander through the gardens, especially vibrant in spring or autumn, captivates with its blend of Eastern and Irish aesthetics, and the horse museum offers a quick peek into Kildare’s racing legacy, from legendary steeds to jockey silks.
Continuing the loop, a 15-minute stroll along Tully Road brings walkers to the Kildare Castle ruins, a lesser-known but evocative remnant of the town’s Norman past. Tucked behind modern streets, the 13th-century fortress, once home to the Fitzgerald family, stands as a weathered testament to Kildare’s medieval might, its crumbling walls whispering tales of sieges and power. The surrounding green offers a quiet spot to pause, with views towards the Curragh’s rolling plains, where wild horses sometimes roam, adding a touch of untamed beauty to the scene.
A ten-minute walk back towards the town centre via Claregate Street leads to the Silken Thomas, a historic pub named after the 16th-century rebel who launched an uprising from Kildare Castle. This lively spot, blending old-world charm with modern warmth, is the perfect place to conclude the tour with a pint or a hearty meal, its walls adorned with memorabilia that nod to the town’s storied past. Spanning roughly three kilometres, this walk captures Kildare’s essence, its spiritual roots, equine pride, and welcoming spirit. Comfortable shoes are advised for the cathedral’s tower and the stud’s gravel paths, and a light jacket is wise for the open Curragh breezes. For those with extra time, a detour to the Curragh Racecourse, just a short drive away, or a visit to the nearby Kildare Village outlet for some retail therapy, adds a modern flourish to this historic journey. Kildare’s blend of ancient lore and vibrant energy makes this walking tour a memorable exploration of one of Ireland’s most storied towns.
Ireland county by county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Largest town walking tour
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Towns
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Villages
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Ireland’s County Kildare:
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles– Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
