- Irish National Stud & Gardens: Located in Tully near Kildare Town, this world-renowned stud farm is a hub of Ireland’s horse breeding industry. Visitors can expect guided tours of the stables, meeting thoroughbreds and retired racehorses, and exploring the serene Japanese Gardens, designed in 1906–1910, with symbolic paths and vibrant flora. The St. Fiachra’s Garden and Horse Museum add depth. Open daily, with an entry fee. Ideal for horse enthusiasts and garden lovers.
- Castletown House: In Celbridge, this Palladian mansion, built in 1722 for William Conolly, is Ireland’s largest and earliest of its kind. Managed by the OPW, visitors can expect guided or self-guided tours of opulent interiors, including the Long Gallery, and walks through 550 acres of parkland with river paths and follies like the Conolly Folly. Entry fees apply; a café is on-site. Perfect for history and architecture buffs.
- Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park: Near Rathangan, this 60-acre park blends history, nature, and family fun. Visitors can expect exhibits on Ireland’s peatlands, a reconstructed Bronze Age dwelling, and a biodiversity trail with rare species. Kids enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas, a fairy village, and train rides. Open seasonally, with an entry fee. Ideal for families and those interested in Ireland’s heritage.
- Kildare Village: A luxury outlet shopping destination in Kildare Town, featuring over 100 designer brands at discounted prices. Visitors can expect a stylish open-air shopping experience with restaurants, cafés, and seasonal events like Christmas markets. Free entry, with ample parking. Perfect for shoppers seeking high-end bargains and a relaxed day out.
- St. Brigid’s Cathedral and Round Tower: In Kildare Town, this 13th-century cathedral is dedicated to St. Brigid, Ireland’s patroness, with a 10th-century round tower, one of the few in Ireland open to visitors. Expect to climb the tower for panoramic views, explore the cathedral’s Gothic architecture, and visit a restored fire temple linked to Brigid’s legacy. Small entry fee for the tower; cathedral entry is donation-based. A must for history and spirituality enthusiasts.
- The Curragh Racecourse: Near Newbridge, this historic racecourse, one of Ireland’s premier, hosts major flat racing events like the Irish Derby. Visitors can expect thrilling race days, guided tours of the racing museum, and insights into Kildare’s equine culture. The open plains of the Curragh offer scenic walks. Event tickets vary; check schedules for race days. Ideal for sports fans and horse racing enthusiasts.
- Burtown House and Gardens: Near Athy, this early 18th-century Quaker estate features 10 acres of vibrant gardens, including woodland, herbaceous borders, and a walled organic kitchen garden. Visitors can expect self-guided garden tours, art exhibitions in the Green Barn, and farm-to-table dining at the café. Open seasonally, with an entry fee. A tranquil stop for gardeners and foodies.
- Maynooth Castle: In Maynooth, this 13th-century Norman castle was the seat of the Fitzgerald family until 1534. Managed by the OPW, visitors can expect free guided tours of the restored keep, with exhibits on its medieval history and siege during the 1534 rebellion. The grounds are open year-round. Perfect for history lovers seeking a quick, educational visit near Maynooth University.
- Bog of Allen Nature Centre: Near Lullymore, run by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, this center highlights Ireland’s bogland ecology. Visitors can expect guided tours of the bog, a museum with exhibits on peatland wildlife and conservation, and a recreated turf-cutter’s cottage. The fly-trap garden is a unique feature. Open Monday to Friday; donations appreciated. Ideal for eco-conscious visitors and nature enthusiasts.
- Donadea Forest Park: Near Naas, this 243-hectare park, once part of the Aylmer estate, features woodlands, a lake, and a 19th-century castle ruin. Visitors can expect scenic walking trails, including the Aylmer Walk and Lake Trail, with picnic areas and wildlife like fallow deer. The 9/11 Memorial, a replica of the Twin Towers’ steel, adds poignancy. Free entry, with parking fees. Great for walkers and families.
Attractions
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
County Kildare:
Ireland’s county Kildare blends historic sites with lush countryside, with the National Stud and Japanese Gardens offering a unique mix of equine heritage and serene landscapes. Castletown House, a grand Palladian mansion, provides historical insights, while the Curragh’s open plains are ideal for walking. The ancient Hill of Allen adds archaeological depth, making Kildare an engaging stop for culture and nature. The new Shackleton Experience has opened in Athy. Kildare is Ireland’s eighth smallest county by size (1,694 square km) and seventh largest by population (247,774). Population reached its lowest point, 57,892 in 1936. In terms of hospitality, Kildare is Ireland’s 15th most visited tourist county with around 168,000 international visitors per year.
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