Kildare is a charming and picturesque county that is often overlooked by tourists, but is an absolute gem just waiting to be explored.
History & Nature
One of the best things about Kildare is its rich history and culture. The county is home to some of the most important historical sites in Ireland, including the stunningly preserved ruins of the 12th century Kildare Castle, which was once home to the powerful Fitzgerald family. But history isn’t the only thing that Kildare has to offer. Nature lovers will also be in heaven here, as the county is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Ireland. From the lush green fields dotted with sheep, to the rolling hills and forests that stretch out as far as the eye can see, there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery to take in.
Things to Do & See
County Kildare has a lot to offer, from Maynooth to Kildare town and in-between. Here are 8 things to do in county Kildare:
- Kildare Maze: Massive hedge maze for family fun located near Prosperous in the North Kildare countryside. Kildare Maze also has a picnic area, crazy golf, zipline activities, and more.
- Castletown House and Parklands: If you’re near Maynooth, this is a must-see. Built in 1722, the Palladian-style country house is a sight to behold. If you have Pemberley fantasies, you’ll nearly expect to see Darcy walk through the door. Pre-book your space for a guided tour of the house or entrance to the garden and biodiversity trail. There is quite a bit about the house’s history on the Wikipedia page. Nearby there is also a nice playground as well as.
- Maynooth: Enjoy walking the extensive walkways and walled gardens as part of the Maynooth University grounds that you can enjoy with a self-guided walk. In Maynooth, great places to eat are: Picaderos Argentinian restaurant, Shoda, Sásta, or Avenue.
- Donadea Forest Park: With historic elements such as the castle, walled gardens, St. Peter’s church, an ice house, and boat house, Donadea Castle and estate is a destination for self-guided touring. They upgraded to paying with cards for a cashless Coillte car park.
- Visit the Irish National Stud and Gardens: The Irish National Stud is a world-famous horse breeding facility that has been producing top-quality racehorses for over 100 years. Plan your visit so you can take a guided tour of the stud farm and see the beautiful horses up close, as well as explore the stunning gardens and Japanese Gardens on the grounds.
- Clonfert Pet Farm: Family-focused Clonfert Pet Farm and mini zoo with three playgrounds,a football and astro pitch, mini golf, zipline, bouncy castle and indoor play centre. Book now for a visit or to enjoy their special Easter Festival.
- Explore the Kildare Castle: The Kildare Castle ruins are located just outside of Kildare town and are a fascinating glimpse into the county’s rich history. The castle dates back to the 12th century and was once home to the powerful Fitzgerald family.
- Newbridge Silverware: With a museum and cafe, Newbridge is a destination for fashion and silver lovers.
- Kildare Open Farm & Shop: With free entry and open Monday to Saturday, Kildare Open Farm & Shop is a fun family destination. They also have seasonal and ongoing events, like the upcoming Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Crazy Golf, Adventure Railroad, and Teddy Bear Factory.
- Visit the St. Brigid’s Cathedral and Round Tower: St. Brigid’s Cathedral is one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic cathedrals, dating back to the 5th century when Saint Brigid herself founded a convent. The cathedral was rebuilt in the 19th century and houses many religious artefacts. The second-tallest round tower in Ireland next to the cathedral is also worth a visit and offers great views of the surrounding area.
- Take a stroll through the town’s historical streets: Kildare town has a rich history and is full of interesting buildings and streetscapes. Take a leisurely stroll through the town’s narrow streets and alleyways and soak up the local atmosphere. There are self-guided walking routes you can enjoy, here are links: Abarta Heritage Walking Tour Audio Guide, The Hundred Acres Slí na Slaáinte and Heritage Trail, and Top Walks in Kildare County.
- Enjoy a pint of Guinness and meal in one of the town’s gastropubs: No visit to Ireland is complete without enjoy a pint of Guinness and a hearty meal in a local gastropub, and Kildare town has plenty of options to choose from. A few of the most popular pubs on Market Square in Kildare town are: Hartes of Kildare (gastropub known for their steaks cooked on a hot stone), Cunningham’s Bar (Thai-inspired menu), and Silken Thomas (serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Kildare Village Outlet Shopping: Kildare is also home to the world-renowned Kildare Village shopping outlet, where you can find amazing deals on high-end fashion brands. With seasonal events and and over 70 shops, it is a destination in itself. Don’t worry, there are 10+ cafes there to refuel for a day-long shopping excursion, whether you need a cup of coffee, a sit-down lunch, or a cone of Murphy’s Ice Cream.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Kildare has something for everyone. It’s a hidden gem that deserves to be on every traveler’s itinerary when visiting Ireland.