Kildare is a county located in Ireland. Its name in Irish is “Cill Dara” which means “Church of the Oak”. The church is recognized as a significant foundation in the Christian sector in Celtic Ireland, which was founded by Saint Brigid. Aside from being known in the Christian sector, it is famous for its stylish history. You will see the stunning Castletown House, Marilyn Monroe’s fancy polka dot umbrella, and the glamorous pink dress worn by Audrey Hepburn all in Kildare. It is also the county that is fond of golf and horse racing festivals. There are tons of popular sights in Kildare that you should not miss. Stay at the best accommodations, taste the best food and experience amazing historic museums. Check out this list of things to do in Kildare, Ireland.
1. Wander around the ruins of The Grey Abbey
The Grey Abbey, or the Kildare Abbey, was built in the year 1260. It was first built by Lord William de Vescy, but when he passed away, it was then completed by Lord Offaly. Several Lords and noblemen who served the king are entombed in there. Many locals and tourists still visit The Grey Abbey, since part of the walls and towers remain. It is currently being maintained and preserved by clearing out overgrowth for the features of the ruins, like arched windows and walls to be seen. It is definitely worth the visit.
The Grey Abbey
Address: Grey Abbey Rd, Kildare, Ireland
Website: Grey Abbey
2. Learn about local history at the Kildare Town Hertiage Centre
Kildare Town Heritage Centre is the best place to go when you reach Kildare. Its surroundings are historic treasures which include the St. Brigid’s Sacred Sites & Stories, Kildare’s Three Abbeys, and Kildare Town Heritage Trail. Kildare Town Heritage Centre features an exhibition center that shows the history of the town in a very unique and creative way. You will be guided by a virtual host, Cogitosus, who is a monk from the seventh century. He will guide you through important historic events from the era of Saint Brigid up to the time when Kildare was discovered by Vikings. Visit the Kildare Town Heritage Centre and learn about the town and its history.
Kildare Town Heritage Centre
Address: Market Square, Kildare, Ireland
Website: Kildare Town Heritage Centre
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
3. Discover Ireland's religious history at Saint Brigid's Cathedral
The Kildare Cathedral was named after Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Brigid. History explains that it is built in the same place where she had built a nunnery. The cathedral was built by Bishop Ralph in 1223. There has been tons of restoration done to preserve it until this day. Important features like the 16th-century vault, Gothic-style architecture, and early Christian carvings were preserved well. The cathedral is a famous site for many tourists and locals alike. Aside from simply sightseeing and visiting Kildare Cathedral, you can join the mass service every Sunday at 11:30 am.
Kildare Cathedral
Address: Market Square, Kildare, Ireland
Website: Kildare Cathedral
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Test your luck at Ace Casino
Posted by Ace Amusements on Tuesday, 13 August 2019
If you are feeling lucky, visit Ace Casino where you can test your luck on slot machines, roulette, and poker. You can enjoy free drinks and snacks while playing your favorite game or while watching your favorite sport on the big screens. There is free parking in designated areas. Make sure to visit Ace Casino on Fridays and Sundays, where Friday is “Fiver Friday” and you get free euros every 15 minutes and ladies get free 10 euros on Sunday.
Ace Casino
Address: 1 Curragh Rd, Kildare, Ireland
Website: Ace Casino
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat: 11am - 1am
5. Taste award-winning dishes at Hartes of Kildare
The Hartes of Kildare is an award-winning gastropub where you will find the perfect location, interior, and menu. It is located in the center of Kildare making it very easy to locate. The gastropub has a lovely interior design that has a combination of classic and modern themes. If you are looking for soup, chicken, beef, seafood, dessert, wine, beer, and many more, Hartes of Kildare is the place to be. They serve a variety of meals that come from fresh ingredients from the local artisan growers and producers. Inside, you will also find The Dewdrop Brewhouse where they serve their very own craft beer which includes the Bushwhacked Red Ale, Big Brown Bear Oatmeal, and Chocolate Brown Ale.
Hartes of Kildare
Address: Market Square, Kildare, Ireland
Website: Hartes of Kildare
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 9pm; Sun: 12:30pm - 8:30pm
6. Drink and dine at Silken Thomas
Silken Thomas is an all in one pub located at The Square or the center of Kildare. It is the perfect place to eat good food, drink unique concoctions, and sleep on comfortable beds. Enjoy delicious meals from their restaurant, Chapter 16, which offers a variety of meals from breakfast to a la carte. You can also visit Irish Pub Lis, where you can choose drinks from premium whiskey to craft beer. After enjoying Chapter 16 and Irish Pub Lis, book a room and experience a warm and comfortable stay at Silken Thomas bed and breakfast.
Silken Thomas
Address: The Square, Kildare, Ireland
Website: Silken Thomas
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 8am - 11:30pm; Fri & Sat: 8am - 12:30am
7. Enroll your children to Kildare Town AFC's soccer camp
Posted by Kildare Town AFC on Friday, 26 April 2019
If you are going on a trip with your children, consider enrolling them at Kildare Town AFC’s soccer camp. The soccer camp is open for boys and girls who are aged from six to twelve years old. They will definitely enjoy this experience while learning how to improve their abilities in sports. The training revolves around drills, friendly matches, and team challenges. At the end of the camp, they will all receive a free football and medal.
Kildare Town AFC
Address: Rathbride Rd, Cloghgarrett Glebe, Kildare, Ireland
Website: Kildare Town AFC
8. Play golf at Cill Dara Golf Club
Posted by Cill Dara Golf Club on Sunday, 29 September 2019
Go to Cill Dara Golf Club and enjoy playing golf with family and friends. The terrain of Curragh is perfect for any type of golfer. Beginners and experts are usually spotted in the course, most especially during weekends. There are lots of trees and plants surrounding the course, which gives off a pleasant atmosphere. You can also visit the clubhouse where you can taste delicious meals at the on-site Hugh Rintoul Restaurant.
Cill Dara Golf Club
Address: Little Curragh, Blackmillershill, Kildare, Ireland
Website: Cill Dara Golf Club
Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Fri: 9:15am - 5pm; Wed - Thu: 9:15am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 8:30am - 4pm
9. Visit the ruins of the Fire Temple
The St. Brigid’s Fire Temple is one of the many famous ruins located in Kildare. The story of the Fire Temple in Irish mythology revolves around St. Birgid who was believed to keep a flame burning in the temple, the main reason it got its name. On the nearby cathedral grounds, you will see the temple foundations, the Celtic cross, and a round tower that is still standing and preserved by the people of Kildare.
Fire Temple
Address: Market Square, Kildare Town, Ireland
Website: Fire Temple
10. Have some coffee in Square
Tidy desk, tidy mind! #baristalife #squarecoffee #specialitycoffee #kildare
Posted by Square Coffee on Tuesday, 25 September 2018
Square is the best place in Kildare where you can order the best hot and cold coffee-based drinks. The store is designed with modern wood furniture, glass decorations, and paintings by local and international artists. The beautiful interior is accompanied by relaxing music either live by local bands or playlists prepared by staff and visitors.
Square
Address: Unit 3, Market Square, Kildare, Irelad
Website: Square
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 5:30pm; Sat: 9am - 4pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm
Prepare to explore Kildare
This list of things to do in Kildare, Ireland, will serve as your guide during your vacation. Discover the amazing ruins, classy restaurants, and exciting activities Kildare has to offer. With our list above, you definitely have enough to keep you occupied in Kildare.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to