Kildare

Kildare is a destination in Leinster, Ireland. Kildare is a town/place in Leinster, Leinster, Ireland. This charming locale offers visitors a genuine glimpse into Irish life, with its own unique character and attractions. Whether you are passing through or planning a longer stay, Kildare provides an authentic experience of Irish hospitality and culture.

By Car

The most practical way to reach Kildare is by car. Leinster has Ireland's best road network, with motorways connecting all major towns to Dublin. The M50 ring road encircles Dublin, while the M1 serves the northeast (Dundalk, Drogheda), the M4/M6 serves the midlands (Mullingar, Athlone), the M7/M8 serves the south and southwest (Kilkenny, Carlow, Portlaoise), and the M11/N11 serves the east coast (Bray, Wicklow, Wexford).

By Train

Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) operates frequent services from Dublin Connolly and Dublin Heuston stations to all major Leinster towns. The DART commuter line serves coastal suburbs from Howth to Greystones, and commuter rail extends to towns like Dundalk, Drogheda, Mullingar, Athlone, Portlaoise, Carlow, Kilkenny, and Gorey.

By Bus

Bus Éireann and private operators like Dublin Express, Aircoach, and Citylink provide extensive intercity and regional bus services. Bus connections are often more frequent and cheaper than rail, though journey times can be longer.

By Air

Dublin Airport (DUB) is Ireland's largest and busiest airport, with flights to over 200 destinations worldwide. It is located about 10 km north of Dublin city centre and is accessible by bus, taxi, and the Dublin Bus Airlink service.

Kildare is compact enough to explore on foot. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car or bicycle is recommended. Leinster has a well-developed network of regional roads, and the flat terrain of much of the province makes it ideal for cycling. Local bus services operate in most towns, though schedules can be limited on Sundays.

Kildare Castle .

It survives only as a single tower next to Market Square, best viewed by strolling into the car park of the Silken Thomas pub. It was built by the Normans in the 12th century, and much bashed in the Gaelic resurgence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Little is known of its later history, but the surviving tower was probably a gatehouse converted into a fortified dwelling in the 15th century.   ( updated Jul 2021 )

St Brigid's Cathedral ,

Market Square .

Church of Ireland (Anglican) cathedral dating to 1223, though largely re-built from 1875. St Brigid (451-525) is said to have founded a church on this site in 480 AD. Myths and legends associated with the pagan Celtic goddess Brigid have been transferred to her, with many more accumulating in later centuries (see the example below), and her supposed date of death 1 Feb is the Celtic festival of Imbolc . The Round Tower a few steps northwest is almost 33 m tall: in the 1780s its conical cap was replaced by castellations. Its Romanesque doorway is 12th century but the tower may be 200 years older, and you can climb it for a small fee. "St Brigid's Kitchen" is the name given to a 14th-century burial vault in th

Gaelic games:

Kildare GAA play football and hurling at St Conleth's Park, capacity 6200, in Newbridge town centre.

Greyhound racing is at Newbridge Greyhound Stadium , on R416 one km northwest of Newbridge railway station and 2 km from town.

Golf: the terrain is good for golf so there are several nearby courses. These include Cill Dara north side of Kildare town, Royal Curragh by the military base, and Newbridge north of that town.

Curragh Racecourse ,

Newbridge R56 RR67 ,

☏

+353 45 441 205 .

Cuirreach means "place of the running horse" and it's been used for racing for centuries. It's a two mile track for thoroughbred flat-racing April-Oct, with the five classic fixtures being Irish 1000 and 2000 Guineas, and the Irish Derby, Oaks and St Leger. The place was refurbished in 2017. Its railway connection has gone, but shuttle buses run from Kildare station on race days.   ( updated Jul 2021 )

Punchestown Racecourse:

Firecastle ,

Market Square R51 AD61 ,

☏

+353 45 247 699 .

Su-W 8:30AM-6PM, Th-Sa 8:30AM-7PM .

Deli cafe with wide se

[... truncated ...]

Cafes and bars in the town centre serve coffee, wine, and local beverages. Regional wines and spirits are worth sampling.

Hotels, guesthouses, and bed-and-breakfast establishments offer accommodation. Advance booking is recommended during peak season.

And did those feet in ancient times?

St Brigid's successor was St Durlagdach, who as a young nun lodged with Brigid, but one night she snuck out to tryst with a soldier lad. But then she got cold feet: "I know, I'll fill my shoes with burning coals, that should save me from temptation." This done, she traipsed back to the convent like a van with a dirty exhaust. Brigid not only proved a miraculous chiropodist but assured Durlagdach that she was now safe from the flame of impurity and the fire of hell. And they wonder why the Irish have suffered so many serious accidents through smoking in bed.

Kildare Village ,

Nurney Road, Greyabbey R51 R265 ,

☏

+353 45 520 501 .

Su-Th 9AM-8PM, F Sa 9AM-9PM .

Large designer shopping outlet at Exit 13 of M7.   ( updated Jul 2021 )

Newbridge is a better bet for day-to-day shopping, with Whitewater Centre and supermarkets.

Nearby towns and natural attractions are within easy reach by car. Public transport connections are available to major cities in the region.