Many travellers to Ireland visit the big 3: Dublin, Galway, and Cork. But it’s the curious person who veers off the well-worn path that will be rewarded with the sweetness of unexpected adventures. Just 1 hour east of Dublin by train or car is a treasure trove of welcoming hospitality, delicious food, endless history, and all sorts of fun things to do in County Kildare. I’ve had the great pleasure of visiting twice within the span of 12 months and thoroughly enjoyed each trip. Below I’ll help you plan your time in County Kildare with where to stay, why you should go, and all sorts of fun activities to experience.
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Why Visit County Kildare?
I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: it’s worth returning to even the most familiar places. There’s always something new to discover. Nowhere better illustrates this belief than home (pandemic silverlinings) and, for me, Ireland. For a year, I called Dublin home. I travelled the country for work and dug into life in the capital city. After leaving Dublin, I lived in 2 more countries and then returned to Canada. Since that transformative year in Dublin, I’ve visited Ireland a dozen times, each return revealing a new layer of I place I know quite well. So, back to the question… why visit County Kildare? There’s a Cole’s Notes list for you here, but keep reading and I’ll dive even further into all the county has to wow its visitors.
- Endless History
- Delectable Food
- Ancient Waterways
- Horse Country
- Warm and Welcoming Hospitality
PLANNING YOUR COUNTY KILDARE TRIP LAST MINUTE?
🥶 Explore Ireland’s Antarctic connections at Shackleton Experience
🐴 Experience horse country’s unique museum at Irish National Stud and Gardens
💦 Cruise the canals with Digby Lock Grand Canal Cruise
🍺 Pour a pint on the Kildare Brewing Company Guided Tour
Where is County Kildare?
County Kildare is right next door to County Dublin, to the southwest. By car or train, it takes only an hour to reach this inland county. Though landlocked, 3 major rivers meander through: the Barrow, the Liffey, and the Boyne.
Where to Stay in County Kildare
Looking for where to stay during your visit to County Kildare? I’ve listed my top recommendations below. If you’re looking for more in-depth information here’s a post on Where to Stay in County Kildare and another on my honest review of Barberstown Castle.
- 🏆 Travel with TMc Favourite – Killashee Hotel and Roísín Dubh Houseboat
- ✨ Unique – Roísín Dubh Houseboat
- 📍 Location – Silken Thomas or The Rooms at Firecastle
- 🛏️ Budget – Forest Farm Caravan and Camping
- 💸 Luxury – The K Club
- 💚 Romantic – Barberstown Castle
- 🥰 Weddings – Clanard Court Hotel
- 👨👩👦👦 Families and Groups – The Rooms at Firecastle
- 👀 I’ve Got My Eye On – Kilkea Castle and Stable Yard House at Burtown House and Gardens
There are a range of accommodation options for visit to County Kildare. From boutique hotels, such as the trendy and central Rooms at Firecastle or the adult-only Rooms at Cunningham’s, or these cozy Countryside Pods. Don’t forget the incredible B&Bs like the Ballindrum Farm B&B. I have stayed in several of the listed accommodations above, including Silken Thomas, the Clanard Court Hotel, Barberstown Castle Hotel, the Killashee Hotel, and the Roísín Dubh Houseboat, to name a few.
Top Fun Things to Do in County Kildare
Having visited multiple times, I can confidently say that there are a lot of different, fun, and interesting things to do in County Kildare. From the outdoors to the academic to the gastronomic, buckle up and get your pencils ready! (Also, I don’t purport to know everything about the area, so if you have some suggestions to add to the list, feel free to add them in the comments at the end of the blog post.) These activities are in no particular order, so make sure you read through to the end. Enjoy!
1. Explore the Antarctic at the Shackleton Experience
In 2025 the brand spanking new Shackleton Experience opened in Athy, County Kildare. Though technically it’s a museum, its interactive and engaging exhibits make it feel anything but your run-of-the-mill archival storehouse. From stunning architecture, to life-size replicas of boats and vehicles, to an on-site mini cinema, to light up floors and more, you’ll walk away an expert on Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic explorations and buzzing with how much fun it was to learn. Excellent for all ages. Do not miss this stop on your visit to County Kildare.
2. Treat Your Ears to Ireland’s Longest Running Trad Session
Clancy’s Pub is home to Ireland’s longest running free trad(itional) music session in Ireland. Since 1966, musicians of every age have gathered in the back room on a Thursday to add even more music to the walls. Clancy’s is also a family-owned pub and the owner, Emma, has story upon story to tell of the people who’ve filled the pub. If you can’t make it on a Thursday, pop in anyhow for a creamy pint, GAA or rugby games, or to have a chat.
3. Savour a Delicious Breakfast Bap
The Breakfast Bap at Silken Thomas is next level. In 2025 I stayed at the Kildare hotel, ordered it for breakfast, and am still dreaming about it more than a year later. If you haven’t had a breakfast bap before, it’s basically an Irish breakfast stuffed between bread. If you haven’t had an Irish breakfast before, time to change that. Back to the breakfast bap. Think rashers (“bacon” but Irish style), sausages, a fried egg, and tomato relish on a brioche bun. Honestly, I’m salivating writing this.
4. Buy Souvenirs from Local Artisans
In my head, I’m not a souvenir person. In reality I always buy a children’s book when visiting a new country, along with postcards and prints, and if it makes sense for the location, chocolate and tea. Sometimes I’ll buy household items like a cool bowl or alcohol I can share with friends at home. And I love buying gifts for people. Why share all of this? Because I’m a pro at scouting out unique local places to purchase said souvenirs.
County Kildare is home to very talented artisans and craftspeople. There’s a weekly Country Farmer’s Market in Naas, excellent for finding goodies for home and a snack on site. The Kildare Village Outlet has plenty of boutique shops, such as Avoca, Jimmy Choo, Billieblush, and Hobbs, to name a few. You can’t miss the beautiful jewelry and housewares at Newbridge Silverware, which has been displaying their masterful craftsmanship in County Kildare since 1934. Of course, the equestrian crowd should visit Berney Bros for hand-crafted bespoke saddles. My favourite shop is Gather, where a collective of over 20 makers sell their gorgeous handmade products and put on a variety of crafting workshops.
5. Explore Outside by Horseback
If you love anything to do with horses, double the amount of time you imagine spending in County Kildare. This is quite literally horse country. In the horse world, legacies run deep and stretch around the globe, but they’re all connected to County Kildare.
When I visited the 2nd time, I had the immense joy of going horseback riding at Abbeyfield Farm. A family-run business in Clane, they have 240 acres for you to enjoy a leisurely guided ride, along with several other outdoor activities. Co-owner Daragh is a patient teacher, knowledgeable, and passionate about the farm and horses. This is an absolute treat.
6. Learn About County Kildare’s Equestrian Legacy
It is beyond easy to spend a full day at the Irish National Stud and Gardens. Start your visit with a guided tour of the expansive grounds, then head indoors for the Irish Racehorse Experience, an interactive attraction and education on Thoroughbred racehorses. Learn about why Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited, the connection to the world’s very first steeplechase in Cork, and how Ireland continues to be recognized worldwide for its breeding, training and racing of horses. You’ll have worked up an appetite, so grab lunch at the restaurant and eat inside or on the patio. Stretch your legs wandering through the stunning Japanese Gardens, then head to the shop to pick out any souvenirs before you leave.
7. Sip on Homemade Kombucha and Craft Beer
A beer drinker, I am not. However, I do love locally-owned businesses, cider, a cool dining atmosphere, and homemade kombucha. Lock 13 Brewpub offers all of this and neighbours the Kildare Brewing Company, which gives brewery tours. The ground floor of the brewpub is designed like a modern pub and the upstair is more trendy and chic. It also happens to be located across the canal from Barge Trip, which I’ll talk more about below!
8. Order Lunch from a Pub and Grocer
Ever heard of a Pub and Grocer? In Ireland the grocer came before the pub and later transformed into a “business in the front and party in the back” situation. Sometimes referred to as “spirit grocers”, they were as necessary to the community as the local church. Unfortunately, the tradition of the bar and grocer has faded since the 1960s due to the influx of supermarkets.
This all being said, a super cool thing to do in County Kildare is head to Frank O’Brien’s Bar and Grocery where the O’Brien family has been running their bar and grocery for more than 150 years! Judith is the 4th generation family member to run the shop, where brown bag lunches are a popular local takeout meal. Rumour has it they also pour an excellent pint.
9. Play a Round of Golf
Don’t you think it’s funny that people travel to Ireland to play golf? It rains and is windy as all heck, yet it’s still a mecca for golfers from around the world. In fact, County Kildare is home to one of Europe’s top golfing resorts: the 5-star K Club Hotel and Golf Resort. On my most recent visit to County Kildare I had the pleasure of photographing the Irish Women’s Open, one of many prestigious tournament held at The K Club.
Having worked at golf courses of all tiers throughout high school and university, I learned how to play thanks to the encouragement and instruction from my colleagues who lived and breathed the game. I have yet to play a course in Ireland, however you might want to put these epic spots on your County Kildare list: Palmerston House Estate, Carton House, Moyvalley Hotel and Golf Resort, and Kilkea Castle which is nearly 900 years old!
10. Bike Beside the Blueway…on the Greenway!
Ireland is doing some really cool things with their infrastructure the last few years and constructing all sorts of multi-purpose trails around the country. The Royal Canal Greenway stretches 130km from Maynooth (County Kildare) to Cloondara (County Longford). It’s Ireland’s longest off-road walking and cycling trail and a perfect way to get outside and explore while soaking up some vitamin D. Head to Grand Canal Greenway Bike Hire in Sallins to pick up bikes for adults and children. Their website has route suggestions, their eco policy is available online, and their shop offers free ponchos – just in case!
WANT MORE COUNTY KILDARE TIPS?
🛏️ Where to Stay in County Kildare
✅ Awesome 1-Day Itinerary for Athy
🏰 Barberstown Castle Review: Is It Worth It?
🎉 How to Spend a Fun Weekend in County Kildare
👀 Don’t Miss this Special Place!
11. Dine at Eric Clapton’s Former Home at a 730-Year Old Castle
Whether you’re into rock n’ roll, Medieval history, secret tunnels, or beautiful aesthetics, Barberstown Castle will enchant. The former home of Eric Clapton, this castle mixes modern and ancient design for a bright, sophisticated, and old world atmosphere. The Garden Bar (pictured below), open to people staying overnight or those passing through, is an energizing place to eat, with ample natural light and earthy greens to feed your eyes. If you’re a sleeping guest, make sure to enjoy breakfast in the original 730-year old castle keep. It’s stunning to sit between walls that ancient! Perhaps you’re planning a romantic evening while in County Kildare. In that case, book a reservation in The Barton Rooms.
12. Wander the Waterways
Though landlocked, County Kildare is very much a place of water. The rivers Liffey, Barrow, and Boyne wend their way around the county. The 300-year old Leinster Aquaduct is at the junction of the Grand Canal and the River Liffey and still in use today. There are canal cruises with Digby Lock Grand Canal Cruise, Barge Trip, and BoatTrips.ie.
13. Visit an Art Gallery
Several art galleries dot the county: Kildare Gallery, Kilcock Art Gallery, The Blueway Art Studio (workshops on print making, book binding, and natural dye eco printing), and Tribe Art Studio (classes and private workshops). Also check out the performing arts centres, such as the Moat Theatre or Riverbank Arts Centre.
14. Stay on a Houseboat
I finally got to stay on the Róisín Dubh Houseboat!!! What a cool experience. I love finding and staying in unique accommodation and this definitely hit the mark. The owner of the houseboat, Ger Loughlin, actually used to live on the boat, moving up and down the canals, before turning it into an overnight destination. He’s also the owner of BargeTrip and a wealth of knowledge on the history, politics, geography, and people of Ireland’s waterways. Do yourself a favour and book a few nights here so you can enjoy everything the boat and area have to offer guests.
15. Relax at the Killashee Hotel Spa
I think I might become a spa goer. The Killashee Hotel Hydrotherapy Pool and Sauna were fabulous. With all sorts of powerful pool jets hammering my aching back, I felt much-needed relief amidst a busy work schedule. In that moment, and afterwards sitting in the sauna, I thought to myself that the Europe and the Nordic countries really know what they’re doing with making these activities a part of regular life. Why are spas, fancy pools, and such not more accessible in North America? The staff at the award-winning Killashee Hotel Spa were all so lovely. Everything in the decor vibrated zen and I felt so relaxed. Services at the spa also include facials, bamboo massage, pregnancy treatments, salt scrubs, and more.
16. Check Out the Coolest Library
Libraries are one of my favourite places to spend time in, whether at home or abroad. The Athy Library is up there as one of the coolest libraries I’ve stepped foot in. Originally a Catholic church built in the 1960s, it has a super funky roofline and the most vibrant, modern stained glass. Everything about the building screams life and joy. Head up to the balcony floor for a bird’s eye view.
17. Sleep in the Most Comfortable Bed Ever
I think that I’ve raved about the beds in the Clanard Court Hotel in every blog post I’ve written on County Kildare. I am not exaggerating when I say they have the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in. I seriously contemplated asking them where they source everything from the mattress to the duvet. Aside from the most fabulous sleep you’ll ever experience, the hotel staff are the happiest ever. Maybe it’s the alpacas greeting you upon arrival, maybe it’s the cute wedding chapel through trees and beside the field, or maybe it’s because they are appreciated by management and truly love their jobs. Whatever it is, there’s magic in the air at the Clanard Court Hotel.
18. Attend a Local Festival
The biggest and most unique festival to County Kildare is Spirit of Brigid, formerly “Brigid 1500”. It was created to celebrate Ireland’s female equivalent of St. Patrick: the impressive St. Brigid. There are concerts, workshops, art, and more. If you’re in Ireland near the end of January / beginning of February, make sure to attend.
There’s are 2 other festivals I’ve had my eye on for a while: Taste of Kildare and Kildare Readers Festival. Food and books. What more need I say?! Taste of Kildare takes place over 2 days in August and is exactly as it sounds: a gastronomic celebration of the area’s best food and drink. A family-friendly event with music to complete the sensory experience, the festival caters to those with dietary restrictions such as gluten / celiac, vegan, and vegetarian needs. The Kildare Readers Festival happens in October and is an excellent way to kickstart cozy season. A free event that celebrates books and the ideas and conversations that inspire them, you’ll find all genres represented, with author panels and workshops.
It would be a disservice to talk about festivals in Ireland without mentioning music festivals, so mark your calendars with What’s De Craic (May/June) and its sister festival, Tribfest (August). Covering everything from Irish trad to the best tribute bands covering all genres, the craic’s bound to be 90.
19. Make a Wish at St. Brigid’s Cathedral
As mentioned above, St. Brigid is an important person in Ireland as a whole and in County Kildare. She founded a monastery in the 5th century and today there’s a 13th century church in the middle of Kildare village. The 10th century round tower is the country’s 2nd tallest. For a small fee you can climb to the top and get quite a view. There’s also a “wishing stone” on (in?) the church. Legend has it that if you place your arm through the hole, touch your shoulder, and make a wish, it will come true. It was wildly windy the day I visited the cathedral so I wished I wouldn’t be blown away. My wish came true. It works!
Sneak Peek of a Weekend Trip in County Kildare
Have a sneak peek of your weekend in County Kildare, Ireland could look like!
Bonus Google Map
I’ve put together this bonus Google Map of places to eat, stay, and adventure during your time in County Kildare. There are also location markers for train stations to help you plan the logistics. Feel free to add this map to your phone for easy access on your travels.
Getting to County Kildare
By Car
If you’re like me and you love a road trip, then check out the online platform Discover Cars for your rentals. I’ve used them, specifically in Ireland, and everything was super easy. They gather data from several companies so that you can compare prices in one place. I also like how they display the breakdown for all fees and taxes. Discover Cars also offers lower prices because they negotiate on your behalf directly with the car rental companies.
For those driving from Dublin Airport, it’s a lickety-split drive to County Kildare – less than an hour! Simply hop on the M(otorway)50 and M4 or M7. If you’re driving from the west of the country, like Cork, then take the M8 and arrive in about 2 hours.
Pro Tip: For the best driving directions for Canada or overseas, I use the Waze app.
By Train
I love taking the train in Ireland and have done so on numerous occasions over the past 13 years. Irish Rail has daily train service around the country. It’s advised to book in advance, especially during peak times. You can purchase your ticket online up to 90 days before travel at www.IrishRail.ie, at ticket offices, or at ticket vending machines when they’re available. It’s also possible to reserve seats on many Intercity trains.
The train trip from Dublin’s Connolly or Heuston stations to County Kildare takes around 35 minutes.
Within County Kildare there are train stations in Athy, Celbridge, Confey, Enfield, Hazelhatch, Kilcock, Kildare, Leixlip, Leixlip (Louisa Bridge), Maynooth, Monasterevin, Naas, Newbridge, and Sallins.
Pro Tip: I love using the OMIO app. You can compare and book buses, trains, and flights really easily.
By Bus
Ireland has several coach bus lines to transport you around the country. It’s possible to check all bus schedules from the Transport for Ireland website. If you’re going to Kildare from Dublin’s city centre or airport, or from several cities like Cork, Killarney, Kilkenny, or Limerick, there are 3 companies to check out: Dublin Coach, JJ Kavanagh, and Go Ahead. On my most recent trip I had a pretty decent experience with Dublin Coach.
Transportation in County Kildare
By Foot
My favourite way to see a place is by walking. Within each town it’s pretty easy to do, depending on where you’re staying. Getting from town to town you will likely want a car or other mode of transportation, unless you’re game for a very long stroll!
By City Bus
The city bus is a great sustainable choice for getting from town to town within County Kildare. It’s a lovely way to “live like a local” while travelling. One aspect I love about taking the bus in Ireland is that everyone says thank you as they exit. It actually reminds me a lot of Vancouver, Canada. This map gives you a visual of the available routes around the country. This map from 2021 shows transit networks in Kildare.
There are a few important things to note for taking buses. First, you have to flag them down for them to stop. I made that mistake once or twice when living in Ireland until a local clued me in! Second, vaping and smoking are prohibited on public transit. Third, use headphones if on your phone or a tablet. A good rule of thumb is to always be mindful of others.
Pro Tip: Get a Leap Card to travel like a local and save money! Leap Cards are reusable, pre-paid public transit cards using a tap-on system. They give you access any TFI (Transport for Ireland) network, including BUS (Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Go-Ahead Ireland, TFI Local Link), RAIL (the DART, Commuter Rail Zones 1-4, Cork-Cobh/Midleton lines, the Luas), and PRIVATE OPERATORS (Ashbourne Connect, City Direct, Matthews Coaches, Wexford Bus, and more). You can save up to 30% on adult fares and up to 50% on young adult and student cards.
By Car or Private Chauffeur
Road trippers, once you’ve booked your vehicle from Discover Cars, get ready for a fun trip!
If you prefer to leave the driving to someone else, our chauffeur Alex of Empire of Luxury was amazing. Always on time, prepared, and courteous, we knew we were in capable and trustworthy hands to get safely from one destination to the next.
By Taxi & Uber
Uber and taxis are available in County Kildare. Local taxis are a more common choice. Uber drivers need to be licenced taxi operators. There’s a taxi app called FreeNow that’s pretty popular with Irish locals. The app is also useful in other European countries. To get an idea of your trip costs, Transport for Ireland has a neat taxi cost estimator on their website.
Other things to note with taxis is that fares are regulated by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and each taxi has a meter. There are additional costs for extra passengers (€1 per adult), children (1 child is free and €1 is added for every 2 children under 12), tolls (see breakdown on your receipt), and pre-booking via phone, app, or in-person (€3).
As of May 2025, Uber and Kildare Village secured a partnership that includes a dedicated pick-up and drop-off spot in the Village, as well as special offers for Kildare Village members and new Uber customers.
By Boat
A really awesome way to see County Kildare is by boat. I’ll go into more detail on boat tours below. Alternatively, you could rent a houseboat and travel around in that instead!
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Helpful Tips for Booking Your Trips
Flights
If you want affordable flights, you must get into the points and miles game. Check out my Travel Coaching services to help Canadians fly for less than a tank of gas!
Car Rentals
To help you explore new destinations, turn to Discover Cars for a huge range of vehicle options and excellent prices.
Accommodation
There are so many options for affordable, comfortable, and unique accommodation. Some of my favourite accommodation options are housesitting and hostels. I’ve been using Trusted Housesitters and Hostelworld for years. If you prefer hotels, then check out Booking.com.
Activities
Get Your Guide is a fantastic resource for different activities to try when travelling. They have everything from walking tours, food tours, tickets to attractions, and multi-day trips, and more. Check out this super cool view I had of Tallinn when I was in Estonia for the Christmas markets in 2023, all because of a Get Your Guide experience. My favourite tour so far that I’ve been on with Get Your Guide is a fantastic walking food tour I did in Dublin. That experience had a wild twist – you’ll have to read this blog post to find out why!
