- Saint Brigid’s Cloak: Saint Brigid, patron saint of Kildare, requested land from a chieftain for her convent; he agreed to give only as much as her cloak would cover, but miraculously the cloak spread over many acres, securing the site of her famous foundation.
- The Hill of Allen and Fionn Mac Cumhaill: The prominent Hill of Allen, north of Kildare town, was the site of the royal palace of the legendary hero Fionn Mac Cumhaill, from where he commanded views over vast plains and surrounding mountains.
- The Book of Kildare: An ancient illuminated manuscript known as the Book of Kildare, said to have been written under angelic dictation during Saint Brigid’s time, was long associated with her monastery, revered for its beauty and spiritual significance.
- Saint Patrick’s Well at Clongorey: Near Newtown in County Kildare, a well blessed by Saint Patrick is remembered in local tradition for the saint’s visit and the curative properties attributed to its waters.
- The Origin of Kildare’s Name: The town of Kildare, originally called Drumcree, derived its name “Cill Dara” (Church of the Oak) from a great oak tree beneath whose shade Saint Brigid built her cell and established her community.
Folklore
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.
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 –
