A new year, a new adventure! Why not take 2020 to explore a new county, with Kildare topping the list!
The Ancient East is bursting with nooks and crannies to explore, from enchanting forest walks, to beautiful castle hotels, we even have some of the finest golf courses in the country to practice your swing.
Kildare has so much to offer this year for all the family, so why not add a few of our recommendations to your Irish Bucket List!
1 – Irish National Stud
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Known as the Thoroughbred County, Kildare is home to the impressive Irish National Stud. The horse-breeding facility in Tully is home to some of the most magnificent horses in the world and also boosts beautiful Japanese Gardens to explore.
The Stud Farm will reopen February 10th 2020.
2 – Feile Bríde
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The St. Brigid’s Festival is a celebration unique to Kildare, running from January 31st to February 8th.
The Feile has a week long programme of creative events which will cater for all ages and many interests. It will be a festival of music, dance, weaving, reflection, poetry, discussion and more.
For full details of the festival, visit www.solasbhride.ie
3 – Wallaby Woods
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This place is for little explorers and big adventurers alike, a day out everyone will enjoy!
Search for wallabies, owls and emus among the nature trails and woodland walks or enjoy the animals in the interactive petting area – all before having your cake and eating it at the coffee shop.
4 – Abbeyfield Country Pursuits
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Abbeyfield Country Pursuits is a great day out for all the family! Whether you’re a horse lover, a master archer, a nature buff or just enjoy a day out in the fresh air, Abbeyfield has it all. Abbeyfield introduces children to the world of ponies in a safe and fun-filled country environment. Horseriding lessons are available for anyone over the age of four.
Experienced staff are available to help and tutor you in the skills of shooting and/or archery also. Contact Abbeyfield for details on opening hours and availability.
5 – Cliff at Lyons
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Looking for a bit of luxury in your life? You’ll find it in Kildare’s Cliff at Lyons!
This stunning hotel occupys an unusual collection of historic rose-clad buildings, including a mill and former dovecot, in rural Kildare a 30-minute drive from Dublin.
Their newest addition, Aimsir Restaurant, was recently awarded Restaurant of the Year with the 2020 Georgina Campbell Awards.
6 – Kildare Maze
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The Kildare Maze is something everyone should experience in 2020! Leinster’s largest hedge maze provides a challenging and exciting day out with good old fashioned fun for families at an affordable price. Out in the fresh air, this is a great place for families to enjoy a day together!
The hedge maze was established in the late 1990’s and opened to the public in 2000. Since then it has undertaken a major-development programme, adding great new attractions to give you a more enjoyable and fun day out.
7 – Killinthomas Wood
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Just a short distance outside of Rathangan Village lies one of Ireland’s best kept secret for nature! Killinthomas Wood in County Kildare is like something straight from a fairytale and we here at Into Kildare believe this is one of the most stunning woodlands in all of Ireland!
The 200 acre amenity area is a mixed hardwood conifer forest with very diverse flora and fauna. There are about 10 km of signposted walks in the wood for all those hiking lovers, and these give access to a wide variety of ecosystems.
8 – Leixlip Castle
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It wouldn’t be an adventure around Kildare without a trip to an ancient Irish castle!
Steeped in history, the Leixlip Castle was built in 1172 and contains many items of antique furniture, tapestries, paintings and drawings and some unusual items like a large 18th century doll’s house, and more.
The castle is also home to a gothic greenhouse, the temple seat, the gazebo and the gate lodge.
9 – Crean’s Place, Kilcullen
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Recently voted Into Kildare’s Best Breakfast in 2019, Crean’s is the place to be for a good brekkie or brunch in Kildare!
The new restaurant, located on 10 Main St., focuses on local ingredients to offer an authentic and fresh taste of Irish flavours with international influences.
10 – Victorian Tea Rooms
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Looking for a unique afternoon out in Kildare? The Victorian Tea Rooms offer a wide range of quality food and cakes in the unique setting of the 18th century stone farm buildings of Straffan Courtyard!
The Tea Rooms open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30-5pm and Sunday 11-5pm. Please call 01 627 5797 for reservations.
11 – Kildare Village
Kildare really has it all – world-class horses, ancient Irish castles, and of course, retail therapy!
Kildare Village is located less than an hour from Dublin with over 100 boutiques of world-class fashion and homeware brands. Kildare Village offers savings of up to 60% on the recommended retail price seven days a week and all year round! So what are you waiting for? Get shopping!
12 – Mondello Park
Looking for your next thrill in Kildare? Mondello Park’s got you sorted!
An exciting programme of car and motorbike racing is held at Mondello every year. In addition there is a Racing Driving School where people can get instruction and tuition. Contact the circuit for details.
Directions: From Naas town centre turn left out the road to Newbridge and take a left for Caragh. The racecourse is approximately 1 mile beyond Caragh village
13 – Palmerstown House
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Located on over 700 acres of beautiful landscape, Palmerstown House Estate is situated only 30 minutes from Dublin. This breathtaking location provides a tranquil and idyllic setting for any occasion.
Our golf course is renowned for its meandering fairways and challenging greens, while the grounds are famous for hosting events famous around the nation such as Wonderlights and Santa’s House Express!
14 – Kildare Farm Foods
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Experience the best of Irish Rural life for free, only a few minutes outside Kildare town!
Kildare Farm Foods offers visitors a family-friendly open farm experience, where you will see a wide variety of farm animals in a natural and relaxed setting without charging a penny.
Visitors will enjoy a quiet countryside atmosphere, and can make the very most of their visit by feeding our farm animals or enjoying a tasty treat in the Farm Café.
15 – Crookstown Craft & Village
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Crookstown Craft Village is a hub for artists and crafters in Co. Kildare as well as a Tourist Information Point.
The Pottery Gift Shop & Chocolate Outlet Art Calligraphy and Card Design studio are at its centre, with a variety of different Pop Up Shops add to the creative atmosphere.
16 – Clonfert Pet Farm
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Animals are always a hit with the kids! As well as furry friends, Clonfert also have two outdoor playground areas both with bouncy castles, an indoor play area, go-karts, a football pitch, plenty of picnic areas and lots more to keep your family entertained.
Bring the kiddies along to the open farm where they can meet the animals and hang out with the resident celebrities, Rizzo, Sandy and Hector, the famous alpacas!
17 – Barge Trip
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Keep your little skippers entertained this midterm break with a cruise down the canals of Kildare with Barge Trip! Beginning in Sallins, Barge Trip’s traditional canal barge boats sails through the Kildare countryside.
Kids can keep their eyes peeled for wildlife along the banks like kingfishers, dragonflies, ducks, swans and more. The little ones will enjoy a day out in the fresh air, all the while learning about the history of the canals, barges and bridges. Leave the world behind and set out on an adventure on the waters! For more information, visit www.bargetrip.ie.
18 – The Silken Thomas
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Recently voted Into Kildare’s best carvery in 2019, the Silken Thomas is a must-visit while in Kildare!
Also a three-time winner of the prestigious County Kildare Black and White Pub of the Year. The Silken Thomas, Kildare Town is your ultimate destination venue. You can literally EAT, DRINK, DANCE, SLEEP on-site which has become the motto for this iconic pub.
19 – Lullymore Heritage Park
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Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park is a day-visitor attraction located on a mineral island in the Bog of Allen in Rathangan County Kildare-a perfect setting for exploring Irish heritage and the natural environment.
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park is also the venue for family fun with a large adventure play area train trips crazy golf the funky forest indoor play centre and the pet farm with the famous Falabella horses-this great combination of fun and learning make Lullymore a “must-see” when visiting Kildare.
20 – Donadea Forest Park
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Miles and miles of walks and wildlife – perfect to blow the winter cobwebs off all ages! Situated in north-west Kildare, Donadea Forest Park is 243 hectares of mixed woodland and pure bliss.
Aeroplane-run through the grass, meander in the walled gardens and chill in the ice house before feeding the ducks on a 2.3 hectare lake. Stress-free living at its finest. More information on the designated National Heritage site can be found here.