Kildare
Attractions in Kildare
ATTRACTIONS IN KILDARE IRELAND QUICK LINKS
Towns in Kildare Ireland Quick Links
Athy | Kildare | Monasterevin | Naas | Robertstown
Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens
Founded in 1900 by William Hall-Walker a Scottish Colonel, The Irish National Stud in Kildare Ireland is a breeding farm for thoroughbred race horses. The farm runs tours for visitors where you can watch the horses in training and one can also explore the 1000 acre grounds including a horse museum. Located on the same estate are the magical Japanese Gardens laid out in the early 20th century by Japanese gardener Tassa Eida and the gardens . The impressive Japanese Gardens are a must when considering what to see in Ireland while visiting County Kildare,
Bog of Allen Nature Centre
The Bog of Allen was once Ireland’s largest raised peat bog and covered extensive areas of the midlands including a sizeable part of Kildare Ireland. The Bog of Allen Nature Centre offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of Irish bogs, discover the variety of plants and insects the bog is home to and also explore a traditional Irish cottage onsite.
Castletown House
At Castletown House in the town of Celbrige, County Kiladare Ireland, visitors can experience Ireland’s first and most significant house inspired by Palladian architecture (a style originating from Venetian architect Andrea Palladio). Built during the years 1722 – 1729 Castletown House has a magnificently lavish interiors that date back to the 18th century and the house ranks highly in many visitors lists of what to see in Ireland.
Curragh Racecourse
Horse racing and breeding has long been one of Ireland’s and County Kildare’s most important businesses. The Curragh in Kildare Ireland is one of the most famous racecourses in the country. Racing events are held at the Curragh regularly (almost every weekend outside of winter) and races include the exciting Irish Derby.
Straffan Butterfly Farm
Located in the town of Straffan in Kildare Ireland is a magical world of fluttering butterflies. Having first opened in 1986, Strafan Butterfly Farm opens to public every summer from July – August. Learn about these beautiful and colourful winged creatures as they fly freely around this indoor exhibition. Visitors can also see a display of scorpions, tarantulas, stick insects and small reptiles.
Athy
Located in South Kildare near the River Barrow Athy is a market town that was developed in the late 19th century. Athy in Kildare Ireland is also a Heritage town and the Heritage centre, which is situated in the town hall, has a selection of displays available for viewing.
Kildare Town
One of Ireland’s most famous Saints, Saint Brigid, founded a nunnery here in the 5th century. Today on the original site of the nunnery in Kildare Town sits the beautiful St Brigid’s cathedral. The town of Kildare Ireland is one of the oldest towns in the country and today is a lively and friendly place to visit with many fairs and festivals taking place throughout the year.
Monasterevin
A small town situated on a bend in the river Barrow, Monasterevin in County Kildare Ireland is 62km (39 miles) from Dublin and 19km (12miles) from Athy. Notable for its Georgian houses and unusually high number of bridges Monasterevan is also a popular angling base.
Naas
One of the largest towns in Kildare Ireland, Naas is a busy urbane town on the main road from Dublin to Cork, Limerick and Waterford. Nass is the county town of County Kildare and is a busy commuter base for those working in Dublin as it is only 32km from the city. Naas also offers excellent shopping in its surrounding retail parks.
Robertstown
A pretty village along the Grand Canal Robertstown was constructed as a stopping off point for passengers who travelled along the canal. Although today the canal has no commercial use the canals are still popular as recreational destination and Robertstown in Kildare Ireland is a base for the cruises offered.
