West of Dublin and within easy reach of the capital, land-locked County Kildare offers bucolic landscapes, a wonderful array of outdoor activities and ample historic sites for travellers to discover. Accommodation options are wide-ranging, with everything from family-run B&Bs to substantial resorts, catering to a whole host of tastes and budgets. Whether you're looking to escape the city for a weekend or to get your first taste of rural Ireland, many of the best places in County Kildare are housed in heritage buildings surrounded by nature -- perfect for a relaxing retreat.
Home to the Irish National Stud & Gardens, as well as the famed Curragh and Naas Racecourses and showjumping at Punchestown, County Kildare has enormous appeal for horseracing enthusiasts or riders. Take an informative tour of the stud farm and glorious Japanese Gardens, or speak to your hotel about exploring the region's verdant landscapes on horseback.
Lovers of the great outdoors can also try fishing or kayaking on the Rivers Barrow & Liffey, hiking in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, or cycling and picturesque walks. Golfers will delight in a round at Pollardstown Fen, Ireland's oldest golf course, or one of two courses designed by Arnold Palmer, whilst petrol heads can hone their skills by zooming around the track at Mondello Park.
The central Curragh Plains -- renowned for horse-breeding, and rich in myth -- are also dotted with ancient monuments. There are heritage houses aplenty for culture-minded visitors to peer into thoughout County Kildare, including the imposing Palladian Castletown House. Don't miss St Brigid's sacred sites and the Norman tower in Kildare, the round tower at Old Kilcullen, the ruins at Oughterard, or Moone High Cross.This is a landsacpe steeped in Irish legend, and one well worth taking the time to delve into! Dublin's excellent galleries and museums are within easy reach for day trips, making County Kildare a great base for city explorations, too.
Head to the Riverbank Arts Centre for a lively programme of events, duck into cosy pubs for evenings of live music, and shop-til-you-drop at Kildare Village, site of a plethora of luxury boutiques. Whether you're in the region for the horse racing, the historic attractions or the beautiful scenery, our pick of the best places to stay in Kildare promises heritage charm aplenty, ideal for romantic couples or families looking for a fun-filled escape.