Kildare

Discover Kildare

Take a short trip west from Dublin and you’ll arrive in Kildare, an ancient county known for its cathedrals, horseracing, and ties to local legends.

Kildare town is a historically significant site, as Ireland’s female patron saint, Saint Brigid, is said to have started one of the most important Christian foundations here. Visit her cathedral and then head to the Norman tower house, to see one of the hundreds of Norman castles and settlements which were established in Kildare. Explore the Hill of Allen, the seat of power of Irish mythology’s greatest hero, Fionn Mac Cumhaill, and see the flatlands surrounding the hill where his warriors trained, according to legend.

Take a trip to the Curragh for some of Ireland’s best horse racing. Visit the Irish National Stud and Gardens to see where the best champion foals are bred before experiencing the peace and tranquility of the Japanese gardens, located on the grounds. The Japanese garden is world-renowned and is considered the best Japanese garden of its kind in Europe. 

If opulent country houses are your thing, take your pick from a bevy of immaculate locations open to the public, such as Castletown House or Carton House, or explore the remnants of a 12th-century castle at Maynooth Castle. For some retail therapy, luxury outlet ‘Kildare Village’, a member of the Bicester collection, the world’s best brands at unbeatable prices.