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Kildare Guide

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Ireland – one hell of a place for adventure
If you find that the ideal way to switch off is to turn on your adventure and activity mojo, Ireland offers the perfect natural playground. Get a fresh view of our mountains, lakes and coastline with easy-going options like hiking, biking, sea kayaking and angling. Or unleash that inner adrenalin junky with pursuits ranging from white-water paddling to wake boarding and sky diving to surfing. Why not visit one of Ireland's many outdoor adventure centres...

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Cycling & Biking learn more »

Cycling & Biking

Plan your cycling break in Ireland - choose from cycling routes, including mountain bike trails, long-distance options and family friendly jaunts.

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On the Water learn more »

On the Water

Whether you’re a born water baby or simply want to dip your toe into the water sports world, check out a host of great activities. Will you learn to surf or sail, wakeboard or windsurf? Whatever you pick, we reckon it’s time to dive in!

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Equestrian Adventures learn more »

Equestrian Adventures

There is maybe no better way to connect with the Irish landscape than by travelling on horseback. Whether you're an experienced rider or a novice, you’ll be matched up with the perfect mount to show you the way.

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Walking & Hiking learn more »

Walking & Hiking

There’s nothing quite like taking a walk in a new area to really get a feel for the place. From the Sunday stroller to the hard-core hiker, we’ve got the perfect walk for you. So be sure to pack those walking shoes!

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More Activities & Adventure

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Time for a few holes?

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Lets go surfing!

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Find out more about fishing

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Find a unique Adventure

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Precious Gems
Old and new, Ireland’s landscape of arts, culture and heritage offers a kaleidoscope of delights. Get in touch with the energy of the past when you visit treasures like the Skelligs and the Carrowkeel Tombs. And feel that same creative vibrancy within the modern scene where artists as diverse as Philip Treacy, Graham Knuttel and Roddy Doyle thrive.

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Uniquely Irish learn more »

Uniquely Irish

Want to hear the bodhrán? Or have a go at sean nós dancing? Go to a GAA match, to your local for a trad session or chat as Gaeilge on a Gaeltacht island. You don’t have to go far, the sporting and cultural events unique to Ireland are all around you.

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Ireland through the Ages learn more »

 Ireland through the Ages

The story of Ireland and her people through the ages is a rich and diverse one, with many influences, having shaped our Landscape, our People and our Society. Nowhere is this more visible than in our historic castles, towns, sites and attractions.

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Natural Ireland learn more »

Natural Ireland

When the New Seven Wonders of Nature are announced on 7th November 2011, will the Cliffs of Moher be among them? The Clare landmark is Ireland’s entry to the global competition, joining other famous attractions like the Grand Canyon and Kilimanjaro.

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Explore the Arts learn more »

Explore the Arts

Look to Ireland's unique culture and heritage for an unforgettable holiday experience. Awaken your senses at one of the many cultural events happening around the country, whether by day or by night.

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More Arts, Culture & Heritage

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Find out about literary festivals

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Take a walk on the wild side

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Get a taste for genuine Irish food.
Discover Ireland’s restaurants, enjoy regional dishes or sample local fare from passionate artisan producers. From food festivals to farmers markets, restaurants and cookery schools, read on and find out more about Irish food.

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Food Festivals learn more »

Food Festivals

Fresh local produce and celebrations of great Irish food, here’s our pick of upcoming Irish foodie festivals.

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Food Trails learn more »

Food Trails

Choose from a selection of Ireland’s tasty food trails in Dublin, Cork, and Kilkenny to name a few.

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Cookery Schools learn more »

Cookery Schools

Search through our selection of Cookery schools and cooking courses in Ireland.

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Food & Farmers Markets learn more »

Food & Farmers Markets

Natural ingredients and fresh produce at your fingertips… great places to see, taste, and talk to producers about local food.

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More Food

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Go on, you’re worth it...

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Treat yourself to a nice meal out.

Your Guide to Kildare

A Thoroughbred Experience

Kildare is renowned as the Thoroughbred County’, with annual festivals and regular meets at the Curragh, Naas and Punchestown that offer horse racing at its best.

And at the National Stud you can learn about Ireland's horse racing industry on a tour of the stud and pay a visit to the adjacent Horse Museum.

Activity Highlights

If you fancy a thrill other than an equine one, motor racing at Mondello Park might be the ticket.

For those with more sedate activities in mind, Kildare boasts peace and quiet in spades. The K Club, which hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup, is a huge draw for golfers.

Meanwhile, both the Royal and Grand Canals provide endless opportunities for boat tours and cruising on barges, as well as walking, cycling and horse trekking along their tranquil banks.

Nature and Wildlife

Nature lovers might also enjoy a trip to Peatland World Visitor Centre which interprets the wilderness of the Bog of Allen or Straffan’s Butterfly Farm where you can wander through a tropical greenhouse filled with huge beauties.

Historic Houses and Gardens

This laid-back county is also popular with those interested in fine homes and gardens.

Highlights include the magnificent Castletown House, a Palladian home dating from 1722. 

Or why not pay a visit to the stunning Japanese Gardens, considered one of Europe’s best, and Larchill Arcadian Gardens, Europe’s only example of a mid-18th Century ‘ferme ornée’.

Shopping Heaven

If shopping is on your to-do list, then you won't want to miss Kildare Village's fantastic range of designer outlets, or the craftsmanship on offer at Newbridge Silverware. 

As for places to stay, Kildare’s many heritage towns like Monasterevin, Athy, Leixlip and Kildare welcome visitors and offer history buffs the opportunity to gaze into the county’s fascinating past.

For example, did you know that Leixlip was also home to Arthur Guinness's first brewery?

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Aerial view of The K Club course

Visit The K Club

Bog of Allen exhibit

Bog of Allen Nature Centre

The lawn and front of Castletown House

Castletown House

A couple walking hand in hand in Kildare Village

Kildare Village