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?
Read more about Kildare Wicklow.