Nowhere in Ireland will you find such a unique variety of family days out like Kildare. Where else can you learn about and see some of Ireland’s finest thoroughbred horses; Visit 19th century gardens created by Japanese master gardeners or challenge the family in Leinster’s largest maze! Plan a day out at these top attractions, as we declare that boredom is banished this Summer!
Clonfert Pet Farm has a huge variety of everyone’s farmyard favourites; from ponies & goats to peacocks & puppies and even a bird Avery! As well as all the animals they 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.
Lullymore Heritage Park is sure to be a big hit with kids of all ages. Little history buffs can take a heritage walk through the last 9,000 years with replica dwellings and interactive exhibitions.
The park also runs a road train through the stunning Bog of Allen, a pet farm with the famous Flabella horses, 18-hole crazy golf and a Funky Forest indoor play area with rope bridges, a cable run and a giant pirate ship to get their imaginations firing.
Lullymore is the kind of attraction you can’t miss when visiting Kildare with the family.
The Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens is home to some of the most magnificent horses and beautiful gardens to be found anywhere in the world, including the beautiful Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra’s Garden. Be sure to tour the Horse Museum and explore the magical ‘fairy trail’ in the woodland area, and afterwards let the kids run off some steam at the playground. There’s also lovely café with indoor and outdoor seating as well as picnic benches in the car park.
In Kildare Farm Foods, families can experience real Kildare country life! Entry to the Open Farm is free of charge and it is a buggy and wheelchair accessible destination, allowing visitors to see a wide variety of animals in a natural and relaxed setting. The farm is home to camels, ostrich, emu, pigs, goats, cows, deer and sheep. Ride the Indian Express Train around the farm before visiting the hatchery and aquarium, and why not play a round of Crazy Golf in indoor Indian Creek or visit the Teddy Bear Factory?
After a busy day of exploring, little tummies can be refuelled at The Tractor Café, which serves a tasty family friendly menu, so whether it’s lunch or afternoon tea you’re in the market for, you’ll enjoy good wholesome food.
The Kildare Maze is something everyone should experience on a family escape to Kildare! 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!
Keep your little skippers entertained this midterm break with a cruise down the canals of Kildare with a traditional canal barge trip! Athy BoatTours offer bespoke tours along the Barrow Navigation, which are catered to the preferences of each group – and may even feature and on-board picnic or lunch on the riverbank! A barge trip along the Grand Canal, courtesy of bargetrip.ie , is also a memorable way to spend a few hours while taking in some of Kildare’s most picturesque scenery.
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!
Castletown House in Celbridge is the largest and most significant Palladian style country house in Ireland. Step inside and see the unique Print Room, the 80 foot Long Gallery and the impressive Portland stone staircase.
On a visit to the house you can find out how the Lords and Ladies lived but also about the people who worked in the house and estate, including young boys and girls.
Bring your wellies for walk through the beautiful parklands, with river walks, a temple and the remains of a bathing house. Stroll around the garden behind the house and see the stunning yew trees at the front of the stately mansion.
The best thing to happen to Kildare since slice bread: Redhills Adventure! Redhills Adventure is set on what was once an old working farm only a few kilometers from Kildare Village, offering an action-packed day out with a range of different, fun and safe activities. Their activities are land-based, soft adventure that are suitable for all fitness levels and interests.
If its’ country pursuits you are after, don’t miss Abbeyfield Farm. Nestled in over 240 acres of picturesque Kildare countryside and less than 40 minutes’ drive from Dublin, Abbeyfield offers a day of Horse-riding, and a variety of outdoor pursuits including Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery or Air Rifle Shooting!