Discover Ireland! Dive into Equestrian Excellence
The Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens: Kildare’s heart beats with the love of horse racing and breeding. The Irish National Stud is a living stud farm, proud home to some of the most magnificent Japanese Gardens, St. Fiachra’s Garden, and Living Legends-retired equine stars.
A visit here lends insight into Ireland’s heritage of horse breeding and an opportunity to amble through carefully planned gardens that weave stories with their landscapes.
Curragh Racecourse: Few places to a horse-racing enthusiast can be described as hallowed ground, but certainly the Curragh Racecourse would constitute one such venue. Some of the races hosted include those that are considered classics of Ireland, like the Irish Derby.
Step Back in Time
Castletown House: Admire the splendor of Castletown House, one of Ireland’s best examples of Georgian architecture, and the largest Palladian-style house in the country. Wander around the stately home interiors, walk through some wide parklands, and do not forget to check out the history of the Conolly family who lived here.
The house and grounds themselves host a wide array of venues that operate year-round, from concerts to historical tours, and fill out the experience of this becoming a genuine cultural showcase.
Kildare Cathedral and Round Tower: Cathedral, built at the site of an ancient monastery, dates from the 5th century. It was the monastic foundation of St. Brigid and contains intriguing evidence about Ireland’s Christian beginnings. Next to it is a round tower that can be climbed for views over the town and surrounding countryside.
Nature and Gardens
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park: Best for the kids and family, it is a compound of several entertaining yet educational exhibits related to Irish heritage, along with fun outdoor mazes and a program of activities. Experience the peatlands, look for the fairy villages, and take a train ride throughout the extensive grounds of the park.
Pollardstown Fen: Nature lovers will find much to appeal to them in Pollardstown Fen—an unusual alkaline pe, atland near Newbridge. The fen offers a quiet walk amongst fairly rare surroundings to a lot of people and animals.
Shopping and Dining
Kildare Village: For those to whom modern is more palatable, Kildare Village offers luxury outlet shopping. Beautifully designed boutiques, cafés, and restaurants all offer an idyllic environment for anyone who wants to treat themselves with top-quality shopping or a stylish and relaxed meal.
Sporting Legacy
Punchestown Racecourse: Another jewel in the Ejson9urian crown, Punchestown Racecourse plays home to Irish jump racing and, of course, it is the world stage for the world-renowned Punchestown Festival. The latter draws giant numbers from around the country and further afield who flock in for sporting entertainment and festival fun.
Discover Local Legends
St. Brigid’s Cathedral and Holy Well: Look into the myth and legend linked with St. Brigid, the patron of Ireland, by visiting St. Brigid’s Cathedral and a nearby holy well. Get spiritual in Kildare at these peaceful venues that will help revive the soul while in Kildare, linking one to the spiritual history of the place.
Unwind in Kildare’s Green Spaces
Donadea Forest Park is a great location for a quiet walk or a picnic by the lake or even to gather one’s thoughts amidst the ruins of the castle, around the walls of its gardens, and beside its lake.
County Kildare offers an Irish experience with a difference to the busy tourist trails, set against an equestrian heritage that is both rich and colorful, matched only by its historical depth and natural. Explore ancient sites, soak up the thrill of the races, or simply let the beauty of the landscape soak into you—it’s all yours to find in Kildare, located in Ireland’s Ancient East. Ready to unearth more of Ireland’s hidden treasures? Let’s continue the journey together.
