Things To Do in Kildare
Escape to Kildare for an adventure this Summer, there is plenty for all to enjoy from Outdoor Activities, Cookery Schools, Historic Sites, Hidden Gems and much more.
Kildare Town – 20 Minute Drive from Killashee
Kildare’s National Stud & Japanese Gardens
Kildare is best known for its thoroughbred roots, Experience True Nature at the unique Kildare National Stud, which is home to many magnificent and prize-winning horses. Their focus here is to produce Irish thoroughbreds capable of being crowned champions at home and abroad. They have a horse museum open to the public for you to learn about the greatest and most famous Irish horses in history. The Japanese Gardens within the grounds is famous throughout the world and the finest of their kind in Europe. Enjoy a walk around this haven, where you will find many blossoms, trees, rocks & water. A complete natural environment to cleanse the mind. They have a playground to entertain the children too!
Enjoy some retail therapy at One of Ireland’s finest shopping village. A fabulous day of luxury shopping in a destination nestled within landscaped grounds and presented in an authentic and chic environment. With 100’s of brands such as Mulberry, Hugo Boss, Brooks Brothers, Armani, Louise Kennedy, Karen Millen plus much more all offering up to 60% off all year round. Refuel for more shopping with many Restaurants, Cafés, Food Trucks or simply a coffee to go!
Located in the heart of the market square, and under the shadow of St Brigids Cathedrel in Kildare town. Firecastle is an artisan grocer, a delicatessen, a bakery and a café with cookery school and 10 en suite guest bedrooms. This local store aims to carry as much as its shelves can bear, with an emphasis on quality, taste, and provenance. They source many of their products locally from renowned Artisan producers. Inside their store, you will find a whole range of products from fresh vegetables to fresh breads and pastries.
Newbridge – 15 Minute Drive from Killashee
For the first time in its history, Newbridge Silverware has opened its doors to offer the public a ‘behind the scenes’ experience with its factory tour, here you will be able to see first-hand the intricate craft of creating quality sterling silver and silver plated tableware as well as the many jewellery and gift items which Newbridge Silverware is renowned for worldwide. The Museum hosts numerous collections and artefacts relating to Stars including Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace, Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, the Beatles and many more. Shop the complete range of products from Jewellery and Giftware to Homeware and Cutlery. Don’t forget to stop by the Award-Winning Café Carleton and enjoy a bite to eat!
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 is the largest remaining calcareous spring-fed fen in Ireland. The area of the fen is 220 hectares and a large portion of it is state owned. It is recognised as an internationally important fen ecosystem with unique and endangered plant communities. They have a wooden walkway around the Fen for you to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the natural landscape.
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.
Many years ago the military has become part of the Curragh and in Kildare, the Curragh is part of us. The history dates back to prehistoric times; the Fianna used to meet at the Hill of Allen; Henry II camped at the Curragh on his way to Dublin in 1171; the Jacobite army trained here in 1686-1687 and in 1855, the British after establishing a permanent post, trained men to go and fight in the Boer War and the trenches of the Somme during the World War I.
This museum shows the true heart of the Currents Ancient history and allows the visitors take in the marvels of this geographical and historical site. The Museum is divided into three sections- the environment encompassing archaeology, the British military presence and the Defence Forces. The displays are intriguing with vintage vehicles such as the Sliabh na mBan, Comet Tank A34, Beaverette Mk IV Scout Car and much more.
Athy - 30 Minute Drive from Killashee
Walking
The opening of the railway in 1846 saw a decline in the use of The Grand Canal which links to Dublin and has since become a canal of leisure- creating pleasant walks and relaxing boat cruises. The woods of Mullragh and Blackwood are all nearby with attractive forest walks and picnic areas.
The Georgian House which is Burtown House is surrounded by fabulous gardens providing beautiful walks. The gardens at Burtown are made up of several areas including large shrubberies, a rock garden, a yew walk divided by a pergola, a sundial garden, an old orchard, a more formal stable yard garden, a walled organic vegetable garden and a large woodland garden surrounded on all sides by water. There are wildflower meadows with large sculptures surrounding the gardens which lead into farm walks with 20 acre fields of pigs, donkeys and cattle. The Artisan shop sells a range of products such as Nettle Pestos, Kale Dips, Infused Oils and Salts, Acorn fed Iberian Ham’s, Irish Cheeses, much Irish and Italian produce and seriously good breads.
Just outside Athy on the Kilcullen road is one of Ireland’s largest Norman mottes, Ardscull Motte- It is a 35ft high mound with a surrounding bank which was created in the 12th century. The appearance of the Moat was enhanced in the 1800’s with the plantation of trees and a surrounding wall. Since then, a picnic area has been developed for locals and tourists to enjoy the scenery.
Kilcullen - 5 Minute Drive from Killashee
The Round Tower of Old Kilcullen
The Round Tower which stands at 40 ft high was probably constructed after terrible Danish attacks on the Town, in 936 AD. The top of the tower suffered significantly during a battle 1798. An account written in 1782 tells of there being four large windows in the upper part of the tower but only one remains to date.
Kilcullen Farm and Nature Trail
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 easy accessible from the centre of town. It was built a few years ago with the help of 250 volunteers.
This is the ruin of a Franciscan Monastery founded in 1460 by Sir Roland Eustace who died in 1469 and is buried there. During Henry VIII’s reign, the Protestant Archbishop of Dublin wrote to Cromwell, Lord Privy Seal, in May 1538 requesting New Abbey as a country home for himself. In 1539 the Monastery was closed. There is also a 15th century graveyard located in the grounds of New Abbey.
Kalbarri is a family-run cookery school and catering business operating from Kilcullen in Co. Kildare. With an emphasis on wholesome family cooking from the freshest ingredients, Siobhan Murphy and her culinary team provide a range of cookery services including; cookery classes, event catering and offers you the opportunity to host your own group of family and friends for a dining experience to remember at Kalbarri’s Lantern Room.
Ballymore Eustace- 20 Minute Drive from Killashee
Immerse yourself into the great outdoors. We are 20 minutes away from The Avon at Blessington Lakes which offer fabulous views of the Wicklow Mountains and boasts various outdoor activities from wilderness walking to wind-whipped water activities, from peaceful greenway biking to peaceful yoga, with archery, climbing and ziplining in between.
The Avon Ri have an array of Food Services on offer to satisfy your hunger after an adventurous day of activities which you can enjoy in a holiday vibe atmosphere overlooking the Wicklow Mountains & Blessington Lake.
o Walkers Cafe
o The Big Blue Pizza Bus
o The Texas BBQ Bus
o Library Bar
Outstanding architecture with nearly three centuries of fascinating history and magnificent collections, the house and exhibition centre should not be missed. A guided tour of the house is an excellent way for visitors to discover Irish architecture, art, and interior. Get out into the great outdoors and explore their grounds by foot, choose from the 2km wildlife trail or the 2km woodland and rhododendron trail and loose yourself in the picturesque views overlooking the Wicklow Mountains and Blessington lakes. Russborough hosts a variety of fun and exciting annual and special events. From music performances to garden shows, sports events, and cultural programming, everyone will find something to enjoy. Onsite they also have excellent facilities for children to enjoy including a playground, magical fairy island, maze, parkland walks, artist's studios and the National Bird of Prey Centre.
Celbridge- 30 Minute Drive From Killashee
Not many people know, the famous Guinness birthplace and first Brewery was in fact in none other than the county of Kildare. Arthurs Way Heritage Trail is a 40 minute drive from Naas, here you can take a stroll or bike ride around the 16km trail and enjoy the scenery while taking a step back in time and seeing where Arthur Guinness’ vision became a reality.
Naturally there is a statue to the father of The Black Stuff in the town. Any Guinness drinker should give the statue a visit and salute the famous founder. Not far from Celbridge in a town called Straffan, hosts the Guinness Steam Museum. At the Guinness Steam Museum you will be able to visit the power hall displaying full size “live steam” engines, a walled garden, a teahouse, a multi-media information channel and a hands-on area
Castletown House, one of Ireland’s largest and earliest Palladian style house was built in the year 1722 for William Connolly- Speaker of the Irish House of Common. Much of its internal design was the work of Lady Louisa Lennox, who married into the Connolly family at only 15 years of age. There is complimentary admission to walk and explore the 18th century restored Parklands and River Walks. Castletown has plenty of free family friendly events throughout the year and also offer complimentary guided parkland walks on Saturdays from March to October. From the back of the house, roughly two miles, an Obelisk can be seen. It is mounted on a series of stone arches and stands 140ft high and is known as, ‘Connolly’s Folly’. Castletown House has recently undergone refurbishments and is open to tourists. Free guided Parkland Walk at 3pm on Saturdays March to October
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.
Sallins – 10 Minute Drive From Killashee
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.
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.
