Sometimes, our kids have more of a social life than us, as we spend all our weekends driving them to parties and events.
Sometimes, it’s nice for adults to act like like big kids.
Sometimes – it’s some time away with a grown-up escape in Kildare.
We’ve compiled a list of luxury places to stay with plenty of nearby activities to keep you young at heart and stress-free for a few days anyway.
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This Kildare newcomer is in the centre of Kildare town, which is full of shops, walks and anything else on your weekend wish list. With stunning boutique style rooms, some over looking St Brigid’s Cathedral, it’s the perfect place to unwind and relax.
When you’ve had your fill of sumptuous treats, all made on-site, there’s plenty to do nearby including some retail therapy at Kildare Village, 10 minutes walk from Firecastle. Escape the ordinary at Redhills Adventure, a short 5 minute drive away, where you have a choice of soft adventure sports suitable for all ages and abilities. Or get yourself all a flutter for a sure bet at the Curragh Racecourse, which is just ten minutes away and home to some of the country’s major racing festivals.
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This four-star venue says it’s the longest standing family run hotel in Kildare, with 71 bedrooms and extensive conference, occasion, banqueting and wedding suites.
On the off-chance you want to leave the surroundings of the hotel, then nearby attractions include the Whitewater Shopping Centre where you really do shop until you drop with major retail therapy. And take in a visit to the Newbridge Silverware Museum of Style Icons which includes artefacts from stars including Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly. The museum has been named in the top five free tourist attractions in Ireland.
For those seeking vibrant night life, the Keadeen Hotel is minutes away from the Riverbank Theatre with a packed event calendar, while live music can be enjoyed at Judge Roy Beans, both in in the centre of Newbridge town.
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Even though the Clanard Court Hotel offers a choice of classic or delux rooms or suites, all 37 bedrooms are diving for the perfect escape with everything you need from lavender scented toiletries and power showers to an array of meal choices in both the restaurant and bar. The Revive Garden Spa & Beauty Rooms include a relaxation area, spa garden with sauna, hot tub and al fresco dining, nail bar and blow dry bar.
Look forward to your evening meal here at Bailey’s Bar & Bistro by working up an appetite meandering down the river with Athy Boat Tours who works with you to create the perfect tour on board ‘Freedom on the Water.’
Visit the Athy Heritage Centre & Shackleton Museum which houses the story of Ernest Shackleton, the great polar explorer.
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If you like relaxing walks in beautiful gardens, then Killashee Hotel is the place for you with acres of splendid gardens and woodland trails, all surrounding 141 bedrooms, leisure club and spa.
Enjoy a day at the races with Punchestown Racecourse only minutes away, the thundering hooves and roaring crowds can be enjoyed with a delicious four-course lunch and afternoon tea in the Watch House, overlooking the finishing line. For an adrenalin rush, a trip to Mondello Park is a must to unleash your inner Lewis Hamilton around the racetrack. Or for a more leisurely activity, enjoy a cruise along the Grand Canal with Bargetrip.ie.
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They describe it as a home away from home but it’s the home away from home that you’ve always dreamed about, more like. Plump pillows, leisure club, gorgeous food, you won’t want to go back to the norm.
The Glenroyal Hotel is not far from an array of things to do, including the 13th century Maynooth Castle, Connolly’s Folly or the Maynooth University Museum where you can visit the largest collection of scientific instrumentation on public display in Ireland, covering physics, chemistry and surveying.
The proximity to the Royal Canal Greenway is an added bonus. You can hire a bike from the hotel or at Maynooth Harbour (seasonal) and cycle toward Kilcock and onwards.