Kildare

Famous for horse breeding and racing, Kildare has luxuriant grasslands and peatlands crossed by canals and the Barrow and Liffey Rivers. Three national primary routes, the M7/N7, N4 and N9 run through the county, giving swift access to its hidden treasures. Full of surprises, County Kildare will give you many excuses to linger and stay.

Exploring

Athy
A heritage town located on the River Barrow, where it is joined by the Grand Canal. The river is navigable to the sea. The 16th century White Castle and the 18th century bridge bear escutcheons of the Fitzgerald's who owned the town. The 18th / 19th century market house is now home to a seasonal tourist office, a museum and a library where art exhibitions are regularly held.

Kildare
The town and county are named from Cill Dara -the church of the oak tree. An historic town built around the medieval cathedral of St. Brigid. In the restored cathedral you will find an important collection of early Christian and medieval monuments, including the 16th century tomb of Bishop Wellesley. Other amorial stones are displayed in the market house which is now a seasonal tourist office.

Leixlip
Situated on the banks of the River Liffey. The main street has many good Georgian houses and a toll-house dating from 1734 located on the bridge. At Louisa Bridge over the Royal Canal is Leixlip Spa which is also an area where rare insects breed due to the effects of the spa. The stone-lined basin was used for personal immersion in the iron and mineral rich waters.

Maynooth
The town developed around the 12th century castle of the Fitzgeralds that stands beside the entrance to the 18th century St. Patrick's college and university which is Ireland's Seminary and has trained thousands of priests over the years. The Royal Canal passes beside the town and this provides a pleasant retreat for picnics and walks.

Naas
The county town developed on the site of a residence of the Leinster kings. Behind the town hall is an Anglo-Norman motte and off the main street is the medieval church of St. David, whose patronage was bought from their native Wales by the Fitzgeralds. A branch line of the Grand Canal enables boats to berth in the harbour close to the 19th century Market House and the town library

Newbridge
This town developed beside the British cavalry barracks from 1816. At the Dominican church is a statue of the Ven. Fr. Peter Higgins OP, who was martyred in 1642. Across the river Liffey from the church grounds is an Angle-Norman motte and bailey. The county library has good local history and genealogical sections for those interested in tracing their ancestors from Co. Kildare. It is located beside the Liffey where there is a park and river walk.

Attractions

Crookstown Mill & Heritage Centre, Ballitore
Milling museum, craft shop and tea room.

Castletown House, Celbridge
Irelands finest historic house. Built in 1712 by William Conolly, speaker of Irish House of Commons.

Morell Farm, Turnings, Straffan
One of Kildare's true Irish farms.

The Stream Museum, Lodge Park Heritage Centre, Straffan
Prototype locomotive models, stationary engines working under steam. Gardens, tea room and gift shop.

Straffan Butterfly Farm, Straffan
Irelands first live tropical butterfly exhibition.

Celbridge Abbey Grounds, Celbridge
Natural woodlands and gardens detailing historical associations with Dean Swift and Henry Grattan. Tea rooms and garden centre.

Maze in the Maize, Maynooth
Discover the true meaning of maze. Visit the adjoining pet farm, craft shop, garden centre, play ground, picnic area and coffee shop.

Peatland World, Lullymore, Rathangan
An exploration of the habitats and life in Irelands bogland.

Coolcarrigan Gardens, Naas
Experience the splendour of these fine Irish gardens.

Irish National Stud, Japanese Gardens and Gardens to St. Fiacre
"One Visit Three Different Worlds" - Why not visit the Irish National Stud, home to some of the worlds finest stallions, mares and foals, or the Japanese Gardens - vintage crop winner of the prestigious Melbourne Cup in 1993.

Activities

Angling
There is a wide selection of areas for the coarse angler in Co. Kildare

Equestrian
Enjoy a day at the races, visit the horse museum or go for a trek.

Golf
Choose from a wide selection of golf courses including the K-Club, home of the Smurfit European Open.

Motor Racing
Experience the thrill of driving a racing saloon and single seater racing car around Irelands premier motor racing circuit.

Walking
Follow a river to its source, a canal to its destination, a bog to its historic past.