Attractions

Top 9 Things To Do in Kildare

a truly hidden gem, Kildare is a hotspot for exciting cultural and culinary experiences

Top 9 Things To Do in Kildare

The Best Things To Do in County Kildare

1. Irish National Stud’s Gardens

The Irish National Stud is home to some of the country’s most idyllic gardens, and one of the best attractions in Kildare. As a county known for horse racing, the national stud is a must-feature on any list, and also includes the Irish Racehorse Experience, a world-first horse museum and experience.

Japanese Gardens

The Irish National Stud’s Japanese Gardens, renowned throughout the world and the finest of their kind in Europe, are far more than simply a treat for the eye. They also provide comfort to the soul, achieving exactly the objective that was set out when the gardens were created between 1906 and 1910.

St. Fiachra’s Garden

St. Fiachra’s Garden was designed in 1999 by award-winning landscape architect Professor Martin Hallinan. The garden commemorates St. Fiachra, the patron saint of gardeners. It provides a perfect partner to the Irish National Stud’s Japanese Gardens while, at the same time, opening up a wholly different yet equally satisfying experience.

2. The Mill Restaurant

The Mill Restaurant is an incredibly unique dining destination, that truly transcends a culinary experience. Settle down by the cosy open fire, or beside the floor-to-ceiling windows, and gaze out at the flowing waterfall just feet from your table.

Despite the most dramatic of surroundings, the real star of The Mill is the stunning dishes created by chef Sean Smith and his team.

The menu changes daily, and Sean’s focus on using only the best quality ingredients to produce beautiful, unpretentious, modern Irish food is what really sets The Mill apart from the rest – certainly one of the best restaurants in Kildare.

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3. Castletown House

Castletown House is a Palladian mansion in County Kildare. Take in the magnificent architecture, and take time to explore the 18th century parklands.

It was built between 1722 and 1729 for William Connolly, speaker of the Irish House of Commons. The facade was almost certainly designed by the Italian architect Alessandro Galilei, while Irish architect Sir Edward Lovett Pearce added the wings.

Today, visitors to Castletown can enjoy a fine collection of Irish decorative arts within a setting that is famed both for its architectural significance and for the beauty of its natural environment. Great care has been taken not only in the conservation of the mansion but also in the restoration of the landscaped parklands, waterways and follies around it, which date back to the eighteenth century.

4. St Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare Town

St Brigid’s Cathedral is located on the site where St. Brigid established a nunnery in the 5th century. The Cathedral was rebuilt in the 19th century and house a selection of interesting religious artefacts including a 16th century vault, religious seals and a medieval water font, later used for christening. The architecture reflects the defensive function of the Cathedral, with distinctive Irish parapets and walkways a distinguishable aspect of the roof.

Also on the site is the second highest round tower in Ireland, which afford incredible views for miles around from the top of the tower, 108 feet in height. The tower is built on top of Kildare Hill, the highest point in town.

5. Discover the Grand Canal

The trails along the Grand Canal are some of Ireland’s best-kept secrets. It follows pleasant grassy towpaths, and canal-side roads, perfect for an easy stroll to take in some of the incredible scenery, punctuated by the locks that characterise its golden years.

There is also plenty of fascinating history around the Canal, and you can follow in the footsteps of Arthur Guinness on Arthur’s Way Heritage Trail, where you can discover the rich history and heritage associated with founder of the world famous beer in Celbridge, Co. Kildare.

The Grand Canal’s backdrop of shallow marshes and rolling landscapes, sings with birds and other wildlife such as kingfishers, herons and even otters. Explore on-board a barge trip, take a canoe or kayak, or just walk at your own pace.

Stand-Up Paddle-Boarding Esacpe

6. Donnelly’s Hollow at the Curragh

This one is a bit unusual. Donnelly’s Hollow is a naturally perfect amphitheatre, named after the first Irish-born Heavyweight boxing champion, Daniel Donnelly.

It was in this spot, that he defeated British champion George Hooper in November 1815 – a hugely significant event given the tensions between both countries at the time. This was the very first major international sports event to be held in Ireland, as over 20,000 people travelled from far and wide to watch the spectacle.

Donnelly’s right arm was removed to study his muscle structure when he died. For many years, this mummified arm was on display in The Hideout pub in Kilcullen, Co. Kildare. It is now in private ownership.

7. Russborough House and Parklands

Okay, we are cheating here, as Russborough House is technically in County Wicklow, but is just over the border, so we think it’s fair game to include it here.

Russborough sits in the heart of the panoramic countryside landscape. Built in the mid-1700s to display the great art assembled by the 1st Earl of Milltown, it later became home to the world-famous Beit Collection. It’s classical design, perfect scale, architectural detail, and exquisite decoration marks this as the most beautiful Georgian house in Ireland.

The park at Russborough is a delight to lose yourself in and be immersed in 300 years of history with plenty of outdoor activities. Follow the tree-lined pathways to discover the original 18th century features such as the circular Hippodrome, the Walled Garden, Lady’s Island, the ice-house, the lime kiln and the serpentine lakes.

8. Kildare Village

No visit to Kildare is complete without a trip to Kildare Village, the perfect luxury shopping destination, near Kildare Town. With 100 boutiques from the world’s most exciting designers including Louise Kennedy, Armani, Brooks Brothers, Mulberry and many more, all offering up to 60% off the recommended retail price all year around.

9. Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park

Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park is a day visitor attraction located on a mineral island in the Bog of Allen between the villages of Rathangan and Allenwood in North West Kildare. The park has grown from very humble origins to now offer over 60 acres of serene woodland and peatland trails, in Ireland’s most famous peatland, the Bog of Allen in West Kildare.

The park is the perfect day out of family fun or for birthday parties, and includes a Pet Farm, Indoor and Outdoor Play Centres, a Road Train, Crazy Golf and much more.

Lyons Tales

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