As the country prepares for intercounty travel I’ve some lovely suggestions for a Day Trip to Kildare. The rush to be by the sea might be great for many but Kildare has so much to offer families. Kildare is a short journey from the M50 and boasts a huge range of activities from shopping to Pet farms and parks and of course it is home to The National Stud and Gardens. Check out the www.intokildare.ie website for more information.
The National Stud
The Irish National Stud & Gardens is a haven of natural beauty that is home to the most magnificent horses and gardens. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the stud farm and meet Living Legends such as Hurricane Fly and Beef or Salmon.
A self-guided tour of the Japanese Gardens traces the journey of life, while St Fiachra’s Gardens captures the essence of monastic life in Ireland. The Irish National Stud & Gardens will reopen from 26 April, tickets must be booked on line in advance (www.irishnationalstud.ie)
Kid Friendly Places
Discover Lullymore Heritage Park, over 60 acres of woodland and peatland trails, a pet farm, large outdoor play area and train trips. Located in Ireland’s most famous peatland, the Bog of Allen, and less than an hour from Dublin there’s something for everyone. The park will reopen on Wednesday 28 April and will open Wednesdays to Sundays throughout May. Online booking is required (www.lullymoreheritagepark.com
Clonfert Pet Farm and Kildare Farm Foods are wonderful stops for all the family especially the little ones
Redhills Adventure – soft adventure activities for all abilities and interests including airsoft, archery and game days. Opening from 1 May, booking in advance essential
Abbeyfield Farm – horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, air rifle and archery. Opening from 26 April, book on line in advance
Golf in Kildare
The K Club
One Night Spa & Golf Escape for Two – experience includes overnight accommodation for two people with breakfast and a choice of a round of golf or a 50 minute Natura Bissé spa treatment per person and dinner in the Barton Restaurant. From €250 pps Kclub
Carton House Golf
O’Meara Golf Experience – overnight accommodation, breakfast and a round of golf on the O’Meara Course. From €410 for two adults.https://www.cartonhouse.com/
Kilkea Castle
Stay & Play Golf Package – includes overnight stay in a Deluxe lodge bedroom, breakfast and a round of golf. From €195 for 2 people. kilkeacastle.com
Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort
Play, Stay & Dine – includes overnight stay with breakfast, a round of golf and dinner in the Sundial Bar & Bistro. From €189 for 2 adults. Moyvalley
The Kildare Maze
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!
Visit: www.kildaremaze.com
Pollardstown Fen
Pollardstown Fen, near Newbridge is an area of alkaline peatland that stands over 220 hectares and obtains its nutrients from calcium rich spring water.
Mostly under the ownership of the state, it is of international importance and contains a number of rare vegetation types, along with an uninterrupted pollen record of the changes in its composition of vegetation going back to the last ice age. A great place for an afternoon walking with the family. The fen is largely composed of reedbeds freshwater pools patches of scrubland and a large woodland area which lies at the western end of the reserve.
There are many rare plant species in the area such as Shining Sickle Moss and the rare arctic-alpine moss Homalothecium nitens. Other rare plant species include Narrow-leaved Marsh Orchid Slender Sedge and Marsh Helleborine.
Many resident bird species and also winter and summer migrants can be found in the habitat. Among them are regular breeders such as Mallard Teal Cood Snipe Sedge Warbler Grasshopper Warbler and Whinchat. Other species such as Merlin Marsh Harrier and Peregrine Falcon occur regularly as vagrants. Situated approximately 2km north-west of Newbridge County Kildare.
Castletown House
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.
Wander 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. heritageireland.ie
Shopping at Kildare Village
Kildare Village, a member of the Bicester Village Shopping Collection, is located less than an hour from Dublin with over 100 boutiques of world-class fashion and homeware brands. Kildare Village offers savings of up to 60% on the recommended retail price seven days a week and all year round.
Anya Hindmarch, Brooks Brothers, Church’s, Coach, DKNY, Furla, Hugo Boss, Pandora and Wolford are just a few of the international brands present as well as the boutique of Ireland’s leading international designer Louise Kennedy. A selection of services at Kildare Village includes a Tourist Information Centre, valet services, tax free shopping and a complimentary shuttle service to the nearby Irish National Stud & Gardens. With a range of restaurants and cafes the Village has become a destination for visitors seeking a superior shopping experience and an enjoyable day out.
Kildare Village is just off the M7 at Exit 13 less than an hour from Dublin. Drive and enjoy free parking or take the 35-minute direct train service departing half-hourly from Dublin’s Heuston Station.353 (0)818 333 222.
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