Things to Do in Kildare – Ireland’s Favorite Day Trip

There is also a horse racing museum on site, which pays heed to some of Ireland’s finest championship horses. It can be a bit off-putting, as the museum is “overseen” by the skeleton of Arkle, the greatest steeplechase racer of all time, born and bred in Ireland. A highlight of the museum is the short film of a new foal being born.

Also at National Stud are two remarkable gardens, the Japanese Garden and St. Fiachra’s Garden. The Japanese Garden was designed by Japanese master horticulturist Tassa Eida and is known to be the finest of its kind in Europe. It was my first experience in a Japanese Garden, and I fell in love. The second garden is dedicated to the patron saint of gardeners, St. Fiachra, and is said to represent Ireland in its natural state during the monastic period. It also is a peaceful area of stunning beauty.

For those wishing to make their visit to National Stud an all day experience, there is also a play area for children, and a restaurant serving which focuses on local fare.

2. Shop to your Heart’s Content at Kildare Village

For the shoppers among us, Kildare Village offers the best luxury shopping in Ireland, outside of the capital cities of Dublin and Belfast, and often at great discount prices. Kildare Village features over 80 brands you know and trust, from Armani and Calvin Klein, to Michael Kors to DKNY, as well as up and coming designers who you just may fall in love with, like Karen Millen and Umit Kutluk. Kildare Village has fashion, footwear and accessories, as well as sophisticated home fashions.

Of course the village makes shopping all the more pleasant because of its design. Set up exactly as it sounds, the village almost has the feeling of any typical Irish village, with cozy facades and outdoor seating areas. There are even a few ready-made Instagram opportunities, for the influencers.

3. Become Acquainted with St. Brigid

St. Brigid is known to be the founder of Kildare, and her influence throughout Kildare remains. It was my pilgrimage to find St. Brigid that led me to the town she began, and her final home. It is known that she founded a church and monastery with sides that housed both monks and nuns, and an art school, as the Abbess. The church stood and ministered to the surrounding community for over 700 years, until the city was sacked and burned.

The current cathedral was consecrated in 1230. Although it fell into ruin several times over the centuries during the turmoil of British rule, it was fully reconstructed in the 19th century, and completed by 1896. The Cathedral is a National Monument and holds regular services. It is open for tours from May 1 through the end of September.

The round tower from the 12th century still stands. Although it is the second tallest in Ireland, it is the tallest that visitors can climb.  It is a long way to the top, but the lovely view of the Irish countryside is worth it. Also on the grounds is a replica of the Fire Temple, known for being the original location of St. Brigid’s perpetual flame.

Those who truly want to learn about St. Brigid should stop by Solas Bhride, a center celebrating the legacy of St Brigid of Kildare. The center offers pilgrimages, hermitages, prayer and meditation areas, as well as educational workshops. The center also holds celebration for a number of Celtic feast days, including Feile Bride, the Festival of Brigid.

4. Seek Blessing at the Holy Wells

Not only do I feel a connection with St. Brigid, I also have a fascination with holy wells. I feel that visiting at least one is an essential part of any Ireland journey, as they are one of those things that make the Irish culture unique. There are a number of holy wells in Kildare Town and the surrounding area of County Kildare.

In Kildare town, the known holy wells are those of St. Brigid. If you visited the other sites associated with her, you will likely end up at one of her wells in town. Both are near National Stud. There are also wells dedicated to her in at least 5 other cities or villages within County Kildare.

If St. Brigid doesn’t call to you, you may prefer St. Patrick’s holy well, in the town of Glassely. If you are only interested in the experience of a holy well, but are not concerned about its dedication, you can also find Father Moore’s Well, the Earl’s Well, Trinity Well, and Toberara. (Tober is the word for well in Gaelic.) If you want the locations for any of these wells, message us or leave a comment, and I will happily share them.

5. Kildare Heritage Center

The Heritage Center can’t be missed as it is located in the center of Kildare, in the area often referred to as Market Square. In truth, it is more of a triangle than a square, but its purpose is the same. The center is housed in a refurbished 19th century market house, which is quite charming, and seems perfect in its location. There is a sculpture of St. Brigid’s perpetual flame outside, and a statue of St. Brigid herself on the corner.

The Heritage Center Features a multimedia exhibit on the history of Kildare Town, and the surrounding areas. Visitors can also make arrangements for a guided heritage walk through town which includes St. Brigid’s Cathedral and holy well, the remains of Kildare Castle, along with the 3 Abbeys, the White Abbey, the Gray Abbey, and the Black Abbey, which were named for the colors of the dress worn by the monks. The center also provides tourist information for other attractions in the area.

6. Watch the Horse Races at the Curragh

When you are in a land of thoroughbred horses, visiting the races is almost a must! The Curragh is Ireland’s premier horse racing venue, featuring several world-class events each year, including the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival, the Keeneland Irish Stakes, and the Longines Irish Champions Weekend. With a season that starts in April and runs through October, there just might be a race during your visit.

The Curragh website gives you a ton of information about planning your trip to the races, including schedules and prices, where to eat and drink. You can even learn about horse racing etiquette, and what to wear on race day.

If straight track racing seems a bit boring to you, perhaps you would prefer hunt racing. Hunt racing is a version of horse racing that requires jumping ditches and fences as a part of the course. Punchestown Races features a long season of thoroughbred hunt races.

The season begins in April, with the 5 day Festival, then followed by 18 separate racing events through October. The Festival is a big community happening with a number of races and events, including a best dressed competition that attracts a lot of attention.

7. Newbridge Silver

This may have been the biggest surprise of all the things to do in Kildare! Although not in Kildare Town, it is just a skip away in the neighboring city of Newbridge, across the Curragh, about 15 minutes up the M7. Newbridge Silver has been making flatware and jewelry in Ireland for decades. Centuries ago metalwork in Ireland was quite advanced, producing remarkable pieces such as the world-renowned Tara Brooch. Although that skill seemed to disappear under Norman and British rule, Newbridge is one of the places it has been rekindled.

Before you begin browsing, head upstairs to the Silver Screen Icons Museum. I would have never imagined that I would be perusing a fascinating collection of Hollywood and royalty memorabilia in Ireland. Seriously, of all places to find this museum, and of all things to find in Ireland!

The main display features the garments and other artifacts of some of the most iconic stars of the silver screen, the runway and the stage, from Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress, to Princess Diana’s little black “revenge dress,” from the Beatles stage suits, to Michael Jackson’s Dirty Diana shirt, from the “I Dream of Jeannie” bottle, to Marilyn Monroe’s red and white polka dot umbrella.

For those who only want a quick visit, this a fun walk through. However for those who want a more in-depth experience, that reveals the realness and nature of the stars, other very personal artifacts are displayed, such as Audrey Hepburn’s postcards to her father,

After the museum, Newbridge offers factory tours, for an up close look at the process of flatware production, which is virtually unchanged since the doors were opened in the 1930s, and an opportunity to see craftsman in the jewelry design process. Of course, before you leave, you may just find a piece to take home. I bought myself a set of stunning earrings from the Greta Garbo collection, which has since been discontinued.

8. Discover the unique Irish Peatland Landscape

Peatlands, or raised bogs, are certainly not unique to Ireland, as they are common throughout much of northern Europe and eastern North America. It is likely though that there are none more well-known than those in Ireland, as they were essential to the way of life for the Irish people for centuries. Even up to a few decades ago, peat was the primary source of heating fuel across the nation.

Today, the bogs are recognized for far more important reasons than fuel. The biodiversity of peatlands is a critical component of the ecology of the earth. They are also one of the most powerful carbon sinks on the planet, comparable to vast forests, and prairie lands.  Peatland removes large quantities of carbon dioxide from the air, thus slowing the process of global warming.  Any ecological minded traveler would enjoy learning about this important ecosystem.

The Bog of Allen, the largest raised bog in the world, lies in County Kildare. The Bog of Allen Visitors Center is operated by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council. It offers a number of discovery adventures into the boglands, as well as educational classes to the ecological importance of the peatlands. There is also an interactive museum, and a turf house on site.

Lullymore Heritage Park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the bog in several different ways, and to learn about the culture it once supported. A highlight is the Peatland Biodiversity Trail, a raised boardwalk trail through the bog. Along with the stunning scenery and the unique flora and fauna of the peatlands, visitors can also experience an 18th century farmhouse, a famine cottage, and a stone age settlement.

9. Explore the Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is not unique to County Kildare, as it is part of the Irish Waterways, which connects the River Liffey in the east to the River Shannon in the west. The Grand Canal actually begins in Dublin, where there is a lovely walkway alongside which many people enjoy.

Nonetheless, the Grand Canal winds through County Kildare, and it is possible to see the locks in action, when boats are passing. It is a fascinating process There is also abundant waterfowl along the canal, which makes for a .peaceful and enjoyable walk through the country.

It is also possible to take a boat trip along the canal. Bargetrip offers two choices for up to 12 passengers, including a 1 hour trip, and a 2.5 hour trip that passes through one of the locks. Athy Boat Tours offers a 1 and 3 hour afternoon tea tour. Both companies share the history of the canal in the area as they cruise. A barge trip along the Grand Canal is relaxing, enjoyable, and educational.

10. Retrace the Gordon Bennett Route

If you are not familiar with the Gordon Bennett Races, or the Coupe International, it can be thought of as the precursor to Formula 1 racing. Gordon Bennett was the owner of the New York Herald, known for sponsoring races for all types of vehicles. After the automobile began production in 1895, racing soon became a thing. Bennett began the Coupe International as an automobile race for all of the known automobile clubs at that time.

Part of the winner’s prize was that the race would be held in his home country the following year. In 1902 the race was won by British driver Selwin F. Edge, driving a Napier. At that time, auto racing was illegal in Britain, so in 1903, the race was held in Ireland, which was still under British rule.

The Gordon Bennett Route of 1903 made a figure 8 shaped loop through 3 Irish counties, Kildare, Laois, and Carlow. The speed limit in Ireland at that time was 12 mph, but a special Act of Parliament allowed for the treacherous speeds, which averaged just over 49 mph for the winner. Today, the route is a tourist attraction in its own right, with clearly marked roadways passing through quiet Irish countryside roadways, several towns including Kildare town, and past numerous Irish heritage sites.

11. Learn about Irish military history.

Ireland may be one of the last places thought of when thinking about World War tourism or associated sites, which makes sense since the country was neutral during WWII for a number of different reasons. After all, they had only just won their independence from Britain less than 20 years before, and were barely into the recovery from centuries of oppression. But neutrality did not stop the war from coming to the island shores.

Ireland’s position adjacent to Britain, and as an island nation, often resulted in soldiers from both sides inadvertently coming to the island. In 1939 the K-Lines internment camp was built to detain these soldiers until the end of the war. There was no ill intent, and in fact the soldiers of both sides were treated extremely well, but their internment prevented them from returning to their home country and again becoming a part of the war effort.

The Curragh Military Museum features a number of displays about military history in Ireland, and a bit about the camp. The museum is operated by soldiers, so there are experts on hand to give more in-depth information at any time.

12. Learn the fascinating industrial heritage.

The Age of Steam lasted for 150 years during the Industrial Revolution, but such progress has occurred since that time, that very little remains. While we are all familiar with steam locomotives because of their role in many movies, most of us probably didn’t know that steam once powered far more than train engines. In fact, steam was the power source for a whole host of technological advancements.

The Steam Museum has brought together an amazing collection of steam engines used for different purposes, from washing machines in a Dublin laundry, to beam engines from the Jameson Distillery, and even an engine for degussing military ships to counteract magnetic mines. There are 4 different display halls comprising a fascinating array of machinery, and demonstrations of different types of steam processes are given. It is fascinating for young and old!

13.  Enjoy the Irish farm animals.

If you are traveling with children, getting to meet some of the common farm animals may be high on your list.  They are not exotic by any means, but still it makes for a fun and relaxing time. After all, any trip to Ireland should include meeting some sheep.  Unfortunately, there are no traditional Irish sheep farms where sheep dog skills are demonstrated in County Kildare. But there are plenty of places to interact with some animals.  

We were not traveling with children, but we still enjoyed our walk through the Kilcullen Center Farm and Nature Trail.  Kilcullen Center provides work and accommodations for persons with various types of disabilities, and managing the trail is part of these activities.  There is not a lot of diversity, but there are chickens, ducks and geese being raised in a lovely riverside setting. It is a relaxing setting with the fowl roaming freely and the Liffey River flowing by.