Whether you're a traveller or a local, looking for history or adventure, Kildare has something to offer.

Events in Kildare

Whether you are just passing through and looking for adventure, or a local looking to rediscover the magic of Kildare, head over to our event calendar and see what's on.

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Places in Kildare

Not sure where to go? We have a comprehensive guide to the many towns and villages in County Kildare. Every listing comes with information on the place, where to eat & stay and how to get there.

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Get In Touch

We at the Kildare Heritage Center & Tourism Office are always willing to help (provided we are open!). Head to our contact page and get in touch if you need any help or advice for your visit to Kildare.

The Into Kildare website is a fantastic source of information about Co. Kildare.

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Legends of Kildare VR Experience

Meet your medieval guide and journey together through time and immerse yourself in stories of the Fianna, Brigid the Goddess, Saint Brigid and the arrival of the Normans, in one of Irelands oldest towns.

Find Out More & Book Tickets ▶

Discover the legend of St Brigid in our new podcast "Exploring St. Brigid's Myths & Legends in a Contemporary World"

An audio documentary examined through a range of different people’s narratives of what Saint Brigid means to them, including guest speaker Dr Niamh Wycherley a medieval historian specialising in early Irish Church. This podcast does not have an exclusive theological slant and is devoted to under recognised impactful Irish women.

Produced by Celine O’Sullivan
‘We Rise’ (Mairead MacMullan)
‘I am not at War with Anyone’ (Luka Bloom)
‘Saint Brigid’s Day’ (Caitlín Nic Gabhann)
AI Prompts (Kevin Gallegly)
Graphic Design (Melissa Conowal)

Click here for a full list of credits, contributors and thanks.

Listen To The Podcast [1h 37m]

County Kildare

Kildare, known as the thoroughbred county due to its connection with horses, has much to offer the visitor. The county includes many different landscapes from the Curragh Plains & the Bog of Allen, to rich farm lands, the Liffey & Barrow Rivers and the Royal & Grand Canals.

County Kildare boasts some of the country’s most important historical and monastic sites. It includes sites such as St. Brigid’s monastic settlement, the birthplace of Ernest Shakleton, 5 ancient round towers (including the highest accessible one in Kildare Town) and Oughterard, the burial place of Sir Arthur Guinness. Visitors can experience Ireland’s Ancient East at its best here.

There are a range of activities and attractions in Kildare such as Ireland's oldest golf club, horse racing and riding, canal walks and cruises, activity centres, world renowned motor racing, great food, fantastic shopping, homely hotels, welcoming people and a lively nightlife – you could say that in Kildare, you can experience it all!

Activities & Attractions

We have compiled a huge list of activities & attractions around County Kildare, click any of the categories below to get started!

Heritage Sites

Kildare is a county rich in both natural and built heritage. From towers to bog-lands and waterways to abbeys there is something of interest for all.

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Kids Activities

While there are plenty of activities for families among the other links here, sometimes kids just want to play! Here there is a selection of activities just for the kids to enjoy and the adults to take a moment to relax.

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Gardens & Parks

Kildare is home to some fine examples of ancient natural woodlands, parklands and landscaped gardens both new and dating back many centuries.

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Shopping

County Kildare has a great variety of locally owned shops, artisan producers and larger retailers. It is also the home of world renowned Kildare Village Outlet (only 5 minutes from the Heritage Town of Kildare!) and Newbridge Silverware.

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Outdoor Activities

Kildare is known for its fantastic horseracing and connection to the thoroughbred industry but it also hosts a large selection of other outdoor pursuits. Golf, activity centres and boating are just a small example of how to get out and about in County Kildare.

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Walking Routes

Explore Kildare on foot! Many towns in Kildare are compact and lend themselves to being explored on a relaxing stroll. The county also allows for longer distance hikes over a variety of terrain such as hills, grassy plains, along tranquil towpaths and woodlands.

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