County Kildare, renowned as the Thoroughbred County for its equine heritage, continues to leverage its world-class horse racing, gardens, and historical sites. A recently redeveloped museum from late 2025 will be fully operational and drawing visitors, alongside ongoing implementations of strategic tourism plans and digital enhancements. Key events like the Punchestown Festival remain highlights.
- The Shackleton Experience (formerly Shackleton Museum) in Athy: Redeveloped and reopened in October 2025 with a €7.5 million investment, this world-class polar museum in the historic Town Hall on Emily Square features a striking glass ‘iceberg’ extension, immersive interactive exhibits, sensory effects, recreated environments, the largest collection of Shackleton artefacts (including his final cabin), a replica of the James Caird lifeboat, and a café. In 2026, it will be in full operation as a major draw, highlighting Ernest Shackleton’s Kildare roots and Antarctic expeditions, with expected increased visitor numbers and events tied to the annual Shackleton Autumn School.
- Grand Canal Blueway (Robertstown to Athy section) — A 46 km canal towpath route for walking and cycling along the Grand Canal in County Kildare, linking Robertstown through towns such as Sallins, Naas, and Newbridge to Athy. This major enhancement project, under way since 2020, is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026.
- Access restored to Castletown House in Celrbidge. The car park off the M4, which had been out of use since 2022, will be reactivated after a bitter dispute was solved between the OPW and local builder Lar McKenna who bought the land and prevented access to the house, while a group of lobbyists prevented access along the traditional driveway.
- Implementation of the Thoroughbred Country Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP): This Fáilte Ireland initiative, in partnership with Kildare and Tipperary County Councils, continues into 2026 with actions to develop new and enhanced visitor experiences centred on Ireland’s equine heritage. Focus areas include connecting stud farms, training yards, and sites like the Irish National Stud & Gardens and Curragh Racecourse through themed itineraries, crafts demonstrations, and storytelling, aiming to boost dwell time and international appeal.
- Launch of New Into Kildare Website: Early 2026 sees the rollout of a revamped website for Into Kildare, the county’s official tourism body. This digital upgrade will improve promotion of attractions, events, and experiences, with enhanced user-friendly features, campaigns, and collaboration with Fáilte Ireland to attract more visitors year-round.
- Punchestown Festival: Running from 28 April to 2 May 2026 at Punchestown Racecourse near Naas, this premier National Hunt racing event features 12 Grade 1 races over five days, including the Punchestown Gold Cup and Champion Chase. It combines top-class jumping action with hospitality, live entertainment, fashion (notably Ladies Day), and a vibrant social atmosphere, drawing large crowds for an unforgettable equine spectacle.
- Ongoing Enhancements at Barberstown Castle: This historic 13th-century castle hotel near Straffan undergoes improvement works extending into early 2026, promising an elevated luxury experience upon completion. Enhancements will refine accommodations and facilities, enriching stays amid its medieval charm and proximity to equine attractions.
These developments reinforce County Kildare’s position as a hub for equine tourism, heritage, and events in 2026. For the latest information, consult official sources such as Into Kildare, Fáilte Ireland, or Discover Ireland, as additional initiatives may be announced.
New
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
Kildare:
Introduction – 1837 – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Castles– Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells –Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers
