Beat the winter blues and spoil yourself with a pamper break in Kildare
As the long, dark evenings draw in and the weather starts to get colder and increasingly more miserable, it’s normal to feel some seasonal blues. If you’re lucky enough to have some annual leave left over for the rest of the year, it’s the perfect time to consider a treat yo’ self break away to break up the transition between autumn and winter and give yourself something to look forward to.
When it comes to spa breaks, shopping, a few delectable snacks and generally pampering of the highest order, Kildare is packed with options across all categories – whether you need 24 hours, or a couple of days, you’ll find a host of options to suit both your diary and budget. So go on, spoil yourself, you deserve it!
Maynooth’s Carton House has long been regarded as one of Irelands’ premium luxurious hotel experiences, and as luck would have it, they’ve got an overnight spa package at the moment that will allow you to experience the hotel and spa in all of its glory.
This package includes an overnight stay in one of the Fairmont King Bedrooms with a complimentary breakfast served in the dining rooms of the House that morning. In addition to this, you’ve got a 55 -minute spa treatment at the newly refurbished Carton House Spa and Wellness with access to the gorgeous wellness facilities before or after the treatment.
After you’ve finished all the relaxing and unwinding, the extensive 1,100- acre resort has a number of self-guided walking and cycling trails, tennis courts, fishing, falconry and golf – there really is something for everyone at Carton House.
Other great spa getaway options in Kildare include Athy’s Clanard Court Hotel which also has the newly refurbished Revive Garden Spa and Beauty Rooms with a number of spa packages available on their website.
If you’re closer to Naas but seeking a country escape with views of Kildare’s beautiful countryside – Killashee House Hotel is another great option with state of the art leisure facilities and 18 luxurious spa rooms
Once you’ve had the royal treatment and you’re feeling refreshed – why not hit the shops and indulge in a bit of retail therapy!?
Whatever it is that you like to peruse when you’re hitting the shops, Kildare has you covered, from shopping centres, garden centres, bespoke craft items, art galleries, gourmet food options to take home – it’s all here.
Whitewater Shopping Centre : Located in Newbridge, it’s one of the largest regional shopping centres in Ireland and has up to 70 stores to browse from
Kildare Village: While it needs no introduction, it’s safe to say Kildare Village is the home of affordable but luxurious style in Ireland. Located in Kildare Town, it’s the perfect stop to pick yourself up a designer bargain in any one of their 100 boutiques.
Crookstown Craft Village : Athy’s Crookstown Craft Village is something of an arts and crafts hub and features a pottery, chocolate and gift outlet, in addition to an art, calligraphy and card design studio – it’s much loved by craftspeople looking for some unique items to take home as souvenirs.
Newbridge Silverware : Even if you’re not buying – you’ll find lots of options to browse at Newbridge Silverware. In addition to their flagship store, it also plays host to the Museum of Style Icons and the Craft Factory which are both open for walking tours. Separately, the café, Domo Emporium, is HIGHLY recommended if you’re looking for a spot of lunch, a sweet treat, or just an old-fashioned tea or coffee.
Kilcock Art Gallery: Art gallery enthusiasts will love this intimate gallery in Killcock that features fine paintings, sculpture and prints by all the leading names in Irish art.
Johnstown Garden Centre: Green fingered visitors will be in their element having a wander around Ireland’s largest plant selection and garden store. Once you’ve finished, you can also sit down and enjoy a cuppa in the on-site café.
Victorian Tea Rooms
Maynooth’s Victorian Tea Rooms have a brilliant selection of cakes, lunch and their very own hand roasted coffee. Open for take-out options from Tuesday – Sunday – you can also sit in their courtyard if it’s a quick pitstop you’re looking for.
Lock 13 Brewpub
Locally sourced produce and quality craft beers aplenty, Lock 13 Brewpub is a flagship in Maynooth and is highly recommended for a lunch stop if you’re in the area.
Cookes of Caragh
Situated in Naas, Cookes of Caragh is long-established in the hospitality industry as it’s been operating over 50 years. It’s another great lunch / dining option, but if the mood takes you, the cocktail menu has also proved extremely popular with visitors…..
Hartes of Kildare
Multi-award-winning gastropub Harte’s of Kildare located in the middle of Kildare Town is a lovely cosy spot serving up great food with a focus on local produce. If you’re only stopping by, they also have a great deli offering
The Dew Drop Inn and Brewhouse
Another brilliant gastropub option in Kill just off the M7, The Dew Drop Inn once held the prestigious Best Gastropub in Kildare accolade and has also appeared on Paolo Tulio’s Taste of Ireland recommendations.
For more information on the options mentioned above, click the links below!
Spa hotel options in Kildare
Shopping in Kildare
Food and snacks