County Kildare Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, stay, eat, and enjoy outdoor activities in County Kildare, Ireland.


Introduction to County Kildare

County Kildare, located in the East Coast and Midlands region of Ireland, is known as the ‘Thoroughbred County’ as it is home to some of the world’s best horse breeding and racing facilities. This picturesque county is dotted with stunning landscapes, historic towns, and bustling cities that offer a unique blend of traditional and modern Ireland. From outdoor adventures to historical attractions, County Kildare has something to offer for every kind of traveler.

List of Places to Visit in County Kildare

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kildare Cathedral: Built in the 13th century, this cathedral is the second-longest in Ireland and houses the tomb of St. Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron saints.
  • Castletown House: One of Ireland’s finest Palladian mansions, Castletown House is set amid 120 acres of stunning gardens and parklands.
  • Irish National Stud & Gardens: The stud farm is one of the country’s biggest tourist attractions and is home to some of the world’s leading racehorses.
  • The Steam Museum: A tribute to the era of steam power, the museum features Ireland’s largest collection of working steam engines and trains.
  • Maynooth Castle: This 12th-century castle boasts a rich history and is a popular spot for tourists.

Natural Attractions of County Kildare: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Curragh: The home of Irish horse racing, the Curragh is a vast expanse of heath in County Kildare that offers a stunning landscape for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • The Bog of Allen: This vast expanse of raised bog is Ireland’s largest and most intact and provides an excellent opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and hikers.
  • The Grand Canal: The canal offers a delightful walk or cycle, with picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park: This award-winning park is set on 60 acres of breathtaking woodland and wetland ecosystems.

Hiking/Biking Routes of County Kildare

  • The Canal Way: A popular cycling route that follows the Grand Canal from Dublin to County Kildare.
  • The Kildare Way: One of the longest way-marked trails, the Kildare Way, is a 130-km hike that takes you through the county’s scenic towns, villages, and woodland trails.
  • Kilcock Loop: Short but scenic, this easy hike loops around the idyllic town of Kilcock and offers breathtaking views of the rolling countryside.
  • The Grand Canal Way: This 117 km trail follows the Grand Canal from Dublin to Shannon Harbour in County Offaly.

Best Things to Do in County Kildare: Activities and Tours

  • Horse Racing: Visit the Irish National Stud & Gardens or the Curragh Racecourse to witness some of the world’s best horse racing.
  • Kayaking: Get up close with nature and cruise through County Kildare’s waterways with Ballyhass Kayaking.
  • Golfing: Tee off at some of Ireland’s most beautiful golf courses, including the K Club and Carton House Golf Club.
  • Fishing: Grab your tackle and head out to the many lakes and rivers across the county, where you can experience some of the region’s best fishing.
  • Hot Air Ballooning: Take a magical ride across Kildare’s breathtaking countryside with Irish Balloon Flights.

Week-Long Itinerary for County Kildare

Day Itinerary
1 Explore the historic town of Naas and visit the Naas Racecourse.
2 Take a guided tour of the Irish National Stud & Gardens and the Kildare Brewing Company.
3 Enjoy a round of golf at the K Club Golf Resort or the Carton House Golf Club.
4 Visit the town of Maynooth and explore its rich medieval heritage.
5 Indulge in some retail therapy at the Kildare Village Outlet Shopping Center.
6 Take a hot air balloon ride over the county’s stunning landscapes.
7 Cap off the week with a relaxing spa day at the Cliff at Lyons.

Food and Drink Scene of County Kildare

Must-Try Dishes

  • Irish Stew: Made with lamb, potatoes, and onions, this hearty stew is a staple of Irish cuisine.
  • Colcannon: A traditional Irish dish made with mashed potatoes, kale or cabbage, and butter.
  • Boxty: A pancake made with a mixture of grated and mashed potatoes, flour, milk, and eggs.
  • Soda bread: Made with just four ingredients - flour, buttermilk, salt, and baking soda - this bread is a must-try in Ireland.
  • Black and White Pudding: A type of sausage made with pork meat, blood, oatmeal, and spices. The black pudding contains pig’s blood, while white pudding doesn’t.

Local Beverages

  • Guinness: Arguably Ireland’s most famous alcoholic export, visiting County Kildare without trying a pint of Guinness would be sacrilege.
  • Triple-Distilled Irish Whiskey: County Kildare boasts the prestigious Kilbeggan Distillery, where you can indulge in a tour and even taste some samples of whiskey.
  • Bailey’s Irish Cream: A creamy and sweet liqueur made with Irish whiskey and cream.

Where to Stay in County Kildare: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Kilkea Castle: A luxurious 12th-century castle that offers opulence, elegance, and service in one package.
  • The K Club: A five-star hotel and resort with two championship golf courses.
  • Carton House: A grand, 18th-century mansion set on 1100 acres of beautiful parklands.
  • Cliff at Lyons: A stylish, culinary retreat that offers guests a bespoke experience with farm-to-fork dining.
  • Maudlins House Hotel: A cozy, family-owned, 4-star hotel just a stone’s throw from Naas town centre.

What to Buy in County Kildare: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Horse Racing Memorabilia: Horse racing is a big deal in County Kildare, and you can get your hands on some souvenirs from the Irish National Stud & Gardens.
  • Irish Whiskey: Bring home a bottle of triple-distilled Irish whiskey from Kilbeggan Distillery.
  • Aran Sweaters and Tweed: Ireland is famous for its woolen goods, and County Kildare houses some of the best knitwear outlets.
  • Celtic Jewelry: Give your loved ones a piece of Irish heritage by gifting them some unique Celtic jewelry.
  • Bog Oak Sculptures: Irish craftsmen turn bog oak into beautiful sculptures, and you can bring one home as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of County Kildare

  • Irish people are known for their hospitality and friendliness, and County Kildare is no exception. Expect warm, welcoming locals who are more than happy to share their customs and traditions with visitors.
  • Respect the local culture by dressing modestly when visiting churches and other religious sites.
  • Drinking is an intrinsic part of Irish culture, and you should be prepared to join in the craic, but make sure to drink responsibly.

Best Time to Visit County Kildare

The best time to visit County Kildare is between May and September when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the tourist season is at its peak during the summer months, and you may find crowds and higher prices during this period. You can also visit County Kildare in the shoulder months of April and October when the weather is still mild, and the crowds are less.

Do’s and Don’ts of County Kildare

Do:

  • Do try traditional Irish food and drinks like Guinness and Irish stew.
  • Do explore the county’s vast kilometers of scenic hiking and cycling trails.
  • Do dress for all kinds of weather, especially if you’re venturing out in the countryside.

Don’t:

  • Don’t be rowdy or disrespectful towards locals or their customs and culture.
  • Don’t drink and drive - tough new laws are cracking down on drink driving in recent years.
  • Don’t leave any trash behind, especially in the countryside.

Safety and Health

Safety in County Kildare

County Kildare is generally a safe place for tourists to visit. However, you should take general safety precautions, especially when venturing out to remote areas. Keep your valuables hidden, lock your car doors, and avoid unlit or isolated areas at night.

Health in County Kildare

County Kildare has an extensive health care system, and tourists from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland are entitled to free emergency health care. Visitors from other countries will need to have adequate travel insurance to cover any health care needs.

Getting to County Kildare: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near County Kildare

Dublin International Airport is the closest airport to County Kildare, located about 40 km to the east of the county. Shannon Airport and Cork Airport are other airports that are easily accessible from County Kildare.

Bus Stations Near County Kildare

Bus Éireann and JJ Kavanagh & Sons are the main suppliers of bus services in the county. The major bus stations in County Kildare are located in Naas and Newbridge.

Other Options

If you prefer to travel by train, the Irish Rail connects to County Kildare via Newbridge, Kildare, and Sallins. Taxis and car rentals are also available for hire throughout the county.

How to Get Around in County Kildare

The best way to explore County Kildare is by car. They are readily available for hire, and the county’s roads are well- maintained, allowing for easy navigation. Alternatively, you can bike or hike the many trails and paths across the county.

Where to Go Next from County Kildare: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Dublin: Just an hour’s drive to the east, the bustling capital city of Dublin is a popular destination from County Kildare.
  • Wicklow Mountains: Head south from Kildare to explore the stunning beauty of the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
  • Galway: Head west to the quirky cultural hotspot of Galway on the west coast of Ireland.
  • Cork: Famous for its food, drink, and culture, Cork is a must-visit destination for foodies and culture vultures.

Conclusion

County Kildare offers a unique blend of traditional and modern Irish culture, offering an idyllic escape for travelers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. From outdoor adventures to historical attractions and traditional Irish cuisine, there’s something to appeal to everyone in this charming county. So why wait? Start planning your trip to County Kildare today and immerse yourself in the heartbeat of Ireland.

Kildare Kildare Derby Day at The Curragh Derby Day at The Curragh Castletown House near Maynooth Castletown House near Maynooth Japanese Gardens at the Irish National Stud Japanese Gardens at the Irish National Stud


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