- The heart of Irish horse racing and breeding, about 45 minutes from Dublin
- The Irish National Stud and its Japanese Gardens are the top attraction
- You can climb the round tower at St Brigid's Cathedral in Kildare town
- Kildare Village outlet shopping is a big draw for day-trippers
- Airports
- Dublin (DUB), about 45 minutes by car; Kildare town is about 30-40 minutes by train from Dublin Heuston
- Best time to go
- April-October
- Type
- County
County Kildare is horse country. The open plains of the Curragh have hosted racing for centuries, and the county is dotted with stud farms, racecourses and training yards. It also has one of Ireland's grandest Palladian houses, two historic canals and a cathedral town linked to St Brigid, one of Ireland's patron saints.
It sits just west of Dublin, so most visitors come on a day trip, often combining the National Stud with a few hours at Kildare Village. For the wider picture, see our Leinster guide and our Ireland guide.
Things to do
- Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens – guided tours of the stud farm, a horse museum, and some of the best Japanese gardens in Europe, plus St Fiachra's Garden.
- The Curragh – home of the Irish Derby and other classic races, and a huge common for walking where sheep still graze.
- St Brigid's Cathedral, Kildare town – a medieval cathedral with a round tower that, unusually, visitors can climb in season.
- Castletown House, Celbridge – Ireland's first and largest Palladian mansion, with parkland running down to the River Liffey.
- Punchestown and Naas racecourses – National Hunt racing, with the Punchestown Festival in spring.
- The Grand Canal and Royal Canal – towpaths for walking and cycling, including the Royal Canal Greenway west of Maynooth.
- Maynooth – a university town with a castle and the historic St Patrick's College.
- Kildare Village – a designer outlet centre next to the motorway, popular with shoppers.
Where to stay
- Kildare town – handy for the Stud, the Curragh and the train.
- Naas – the county town, with hotels and restaurants.
- Straffan and Celbridge – home to well-known golf resorts and country house hotels.
- Maynooth – a lively university town on the train line.
Getting there
Fly to Dublin from London or most UK airports in about an hour and a quarter; Kildare town is around 45 minutes' drive. Trains from Dublin Heuston reach Kildare in about 30 to 40 minutes, and commuter trains from Dublin Connolly serve Maynooth. Ferries from Holyhead and Liverpool arrive at Dublin Port, about an hour from the Curragh.
Best time to visit
The racing season peaks in summer, with the Irish Derby at the Curragh usually in late June or early July. The Japanese Gardens are lovely from spring blossom to autumn colour. Castletown House and the round tower have seasonal opening, so check before travelling in winter.
Take the train to Kildare town and walk or take a short taxi ride to the National Stud, then finish at Kildare Village next door.
Top attractions in County Kildare
County Kildare on the map
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Kildare without a car?
Yes. Trains from Dublin serve Kildare town, Newbridge (for the Curragh) and Maynooth, and many day tours stop at the National Stud.
How long do I need at the Irish National Stud?
Allow two to three hours for the stud tour and gardens.
Can anyone go racing at the Curragh?
Yes. Buy tickets online or at the gate; dress codes are relaxed except on big festival days, when people dress up.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
More from EmmaWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
