Discover Kildare & Beyond

Barge Trip- Departing and Returning to Sallins, 10 minutes from Killashee, The Barge Trip is a unique way to see Kildare. Their traditional canal barge is heated and has outdoor seating on the front and back decks. There are toilet facilities and a bar on-board.

Explore the Sallins Grand Canal Greenway as it winds through the Kildare countryside and immerse yourself in nature as you explore 250 years of history. Rent your bikes from Grand Canal Greenway Bike Hire for the perfect afternoon of adventure.

Located 10 minutes from Killashee on the Historic Grand Canal of Sallins is Kildare Brewing Company. Hit Kildare’s 1st ever ‘Brewpub’ running, tour the brewery, taste the beer and learn everything you need to know about the brewhouse up close and personal.

Kildare is famous for its thoroughbred heritage, best experienced at the unique Kildare National Stud—home to magnificent, prize-winning horses. Visit the Horse Museum to learn about Ireland’s most celebrated champions, or explore the world-renowned Japanese Gardens, a tranquil haven of blossoms, trees, and water. There’s even a playground for little ones to enjoy.

Just an hour from Dublin, discover 100 boutiques of luxury fashion and lifestyle brands with savings of up to 60% on the recommended retail price. Delight in delicious food and drink from an array of superb restaurants and cafés. Plus, enjoy five-star hospitality services such as complimentary Wi-Fi, Personal Shopping, ample free parking and Hands-free Shopping. 

In the heart of Kildare’s market square, beneath St Brigid’s Cathedral, Firecastle is an artisan grocer, delicatessen, bakery, and café with a cookery school and 10 en-suite guest rooms. Stocked with fresh local produce, breads, pastries, and goods from renowned artisan suppliers, it’s a celebration of quality, taste, and provenance.

Newbridge Silverware now offers a behind-the-scenes factory tour, showcasing the intricate craft behind its world-renowned silverware, jewellery, and giftware. Visit the Museum of Style Icons to see artefacts from stars like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Princess Diana, then browse the full range in-store and enjoy a bite at the award-winning Café Carleton.

In the built-up town of Newbridge sits the hidden gem that is ‘The Wine Buff’. Guaranteed a night of good fun, great company and of course lots of wine. Dive into all things wine as you expand your taste buds and knowledge.

Pollardstown Fen, Ireland’s largest calcareous spring-fed fen, covers 220 hectares and is internationally recognised for its rare and endangered plant life. A wooden walkway offers a tranquil way to explore this remarkable ecosystem.

The Curragh is Ireland’s largest, finest, and possibly only, example of a surviving ancient lowland unenclosed grassland. The 5,000 acres stretch from Kildare Town to Newbridge- Pack a picnic, grab a ball and enjoy Ireland’s finest.

The Curragh Military Museum showcases the area’s rich history, from ancient times to modern defence, with exhibits on archaeology, military heritage, and vintage vehicles like the Sliabh na mBan and Comet Tank A34.

Burtown House, a Georgian home, is surrounded by diverse gardens—from formal lawns and wildflower meadows to a walled organic vegetable garden and woodland walks. Farm trails feature pigs, donkeys, and cattle, while the Artisan Shop offers homemade pestos, dips, oils, Irish cheeses, Italian delicacies, and fresh breads.

Just outside Athy, Ardscull Motte is one of Ireland’s largest Norman mottes—a 35ft mound built in the 12th century, later enhanced with trees and a stone wall. Today, a picnic area invites visitors to enjoy its scenic surroundings.

The 40ft Round Tower, likely built after Danish raids in 936 AD, was damaged in the 1798 battle. Once boasting four upper windows in 1782, only one remains today.

A fabulous asset to Kilcullen is The Kilcullen Nature Trail where you can enjoy a river walk, garden walk and farm animals. This is a complimentary site and easily accessible from the centre of town. It was built a few years ago with the help of 250 volunteers.

New Abbey, a Franciscan monastery founded in 1460 by Sir Roland Eustace, who is buried there, was closed in 1539 during Henry VIII’s reign when the Protestant Archbishop of Dublin requested it as a country residence. The site also features a 15th-century graveyard.

Kalbarri, a family-run cookery school and catering business in Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, focuses on wholesome family cooking using fresh ingredients. Siobhan Murphy and her team offer cookery classes, event catering, and the chance to host memorable dining experiences in the Lantern Room.

Just 20 minutes from Kildare, The Avon at Blessington Lakes offers stunning Wicklow Mountain views and activities like walking, biking, yoga, archery, climbing, and ziplining. Refresh afterwards with food from Walkers Cafe, Sweet Churros, Big Dog, Outdoor Bar, or South Beach Fish Shack.

Explore three centuries of history, art, and architecture with guided tours, then enjoy 2km wildlife and woodland trails with stunning views. Onsite events and attractions—playground, fairy island, maze, artist studios, and the National Bird of Prey Centre—offer fun for all.

Explore the Arthurs Way Heritage Trail, visit Arthur Guinness’ statue, and see full-size steam engines and interactive exhibits at the Guinness Steam Museum in Straffan.

Built in 1722, Castletown House is one of Ireland’s largest Palladian-style homes. Enjoy restored parklands and river walks, free family events, and complimentary guided walks on Saturdays from March to October. Highlights include the 140ft Obelisk, known as Connolly’s Folly.

The Wonderful Barn is a corkscrew shaped building on the edge of Castletown Estate, that was originally used to store grain, to shoot game and for other domestic purposes. While not open to the public, many people visit to admire the unusual architecture of the building.