County Kildare, in Ireland’s lush heartland, offers a delightful mix of historic sites, natural beauty, and cultural attractions for travellers seeking a rewarding escape. With its rolling plains, historic estates, and equine heritage, this county provides a diverse range of experiences. From ancient monasteries to scenic canals and sprawling gardens, Kildare invites visitors to discover its treasures at a leisurely pace.
The Irish National Stud, near Kildare town, is a haven for horse enthusiasts, showcasing Ireland’s equestrian legacy. Visitors can tour the stud farm, home to thoroughbreds, and explore the Horse Museum, which details racing history with interactive displays. The adjacent Japanese Gardens, with their serene paths and symbolic plants, offer a tranquil walk, while the Saint Fiachra’s Garden adds a peaceful wooded retreat.
Castletown House, Ireland’s largest Palladian mansion, stands near Celbridge with elegant 18th-century interiors. Guided tours reveal ornate plasterwork and period furnishings, while the 550-acre estate offers riverside walks along the Liffey and a folly, the Obelisk. Visitors can enjoy a tearoom and explore the parkland, blending history with scenic beauty.
Kildare Cathedral, dedicated to St Brigid, is a 13th-century Gothic structure in Kildare town. Visitors can admire its stone vaulting, climb the tower for views of the Curragh plains, and explore the adjacent round tower, a rare survivor from the 10th century. The cathedral’s peaceful grounds and nearby St Brigid’s Well create a reflective atmosphere for history lovers.
The Curragh, a 2,000-hectare plain, is a historic landscape known for horse racing and sheep grazing. Visitors can walk or cycle its open grasslands, spotting wildlife and enjoying views of the Wicklow Mountains. The Curragh Military Museum, housed in a former barracks, offers insights into its past, with artefacts and stories appealing to those curious about local heritage.
Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park, near Rathangan, combines history and nature across 60 acres. Visitors can explore a reconstructed Iron Age village, a famine-era cottage, and biodiversity trails through bogs and woodlands. The park’s fairy trail and pet farm delight families, while guided tours provide engaging insights into Kildare’s past and ecology.
The Grand Canal, stretching through Kildare, offers scenic walks and cycling along its towpaths. Visitors can follow the canal from Sallins to Robertstown, passing historic locks and quiet villages. Boat trips and kayak rentals provide a relaxed way to enjoy the waterway, with opportunities to spot herons and otters in the serene surroundings.
Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre, in NewbridgeClinic, showcases Ireland’s silver-making tradition. Visitors can tour the factory, view intricate designs, and explore a museum of vintage silverware. The centre’s café and showroom offer a chance to browse handcrafted jewellery, creating a unique stop for craft enthusiasts.
Donadea Forest Park, a 243-hectare woodland near Kilcock, features tranquil trails and a 9th-century castle ruin. Visitors can walk through ancient oaks, visit a walled garden, and enjoy lakeside picnics, with paths leading to a historic church. The park’s peaceful setting and wildlife make it ideal for families and nature lovers.
Burtown House and Gardens, near Athy, is a 19th-century estate with a 10-acre garden. Visitors can wander through orchards, a walled garden, and wildflower meadows, with seasonal blooms adding colour. The on-site café serves local produce, and guided house tours reveal period furnishings, offering a blend of history and horticulture.
Clane’s Mondello Park, Ireland’s only international motorsport venue, offers a glimpse into Kildare’s racing culture. Visitors can watch races, join driving experiences, or explore the motorsport museum. The venue’s open days allow families to enjoy go-karting and track walks, creating an exciting stop for car enthusiasts.
County Kildare’s mix of historic landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural experiences creates a rewarding destination. Whether touring grand estates, strolling canal paths, or exploring equine heritage, travellers will find plenty to enjoy in this inviting corner of Ireland.
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 – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets– Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
Things to do
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