Kildare Archives - Ireland Family Vacations

When you think of Ireland, you might picture rolling green hills, ancient castles, and lively pub music. But did you know that Ireland is also one of the world’s top destinations for equestrian tourism?

Welcome to Horse Country—an area that embodies the island’s deep-rooted connection to horses, from world-class breeding to immersive visitor experiences.

Get the Free Horse Country Itinerary

Whether you're a lifelong horse enthusiast or just someone looking for a unique Irish adventure, Horse Country offers unique experiences that can fit into most itineraries.

This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Laura Magee, CEO of Ireland's Horse Country. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

Horse Country focuses on the counties of Kildare and Tipperary—two regions renowned for their equestrian heritage. These areas aren’t just picturesque; they boast some of the finest land for breeding and training thoroughbreds. The rich limestone soil, combined with Ireland’s temperate climate, makes it an ideal environment for raising strong, healthy horses. It’s no wonder that global thoroughbred breeders, including Godolphin, Coolmore Stud, and Juddmonte, have chosen this area as their European base.

But Horse Country isn’t just about racing. This region welcomes visitors of all backgrounds, offering access to exclusive stud farms, behind-the-scenes tours, and interactive experiences that make the world of horses accessible to everyone.

One of the highlights of Horse Country is the opportunity to go beyond the spectator stands and into the heart of Ireland’s equestrian culture. Whether you’re visiting with family, traveling solo, or with a group, there’s an experience tailored just for you.

While the equestrian experiences are a major draw, Horse Country offers more than just horse-related activities. The region is home to excellent dining, charming towns, and other uniquely Irish experiences. Enjoy a gourmet meal at Sadler’s in Fethard, visit Kildare Village for some high-end shopping, and don't miss the incredible historic sites in the area – including the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle.

One of the biggest takeaways from visiting Horse Country is the reminder to slow down. Instead of rushing through attractions, take the time to truly immerse yourself in the experience. Whether you’re watching a newborn foal joyfully race across a paddock or sipping tea in a historic stud farm, these are the moments that make travel unforgettable.

If Horse Country sounds like your kind of adventure, you can start planning your trip at HorseCountry.ie. The site provides detailed information on experiences, pricing, and how to customize your itinerary.

You can also get trip inspiration at the social accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

For an even easier way to explore, check out the new Horse Country itinerary where you’ll find a carefully curated guide to making the most of your time in this extraordinary part of Ireland.

Irish National Stud & Gardens Immerse yourself in one of the only public stud farms in the world. Learn about horse breeding, see the horses, and visit the amazing gardens.

Coolmore Stud The largest stud farm in the world, headquartered in County Tipperary.

The Curragh Plains in Kildare 30,000 acres of publicly owned land. You can drive through the area and may see horses training.

Whether you’re a lifelong equestrian enthusiast or simply someone looking to explore a new side of Ireland, Horse Country welcomes you to discover the passion, tradition, and beauty that make this place so special.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 252

The post Welcome to Horse Country: Ireland’s Equestrian Heartland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Ireland is a country known for stunning landscapes and natural beauty. The abundant rainfall that contributes to the country's '40 shades of green' is also at least partially responsible for the lush gardens you'll find across the country.

While the majority of public gardens seem to be concentrated in the ‘sunny southeast', you can easily add a visit to a magnificent garden to any itinerary.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page.

While gardens may not be what most people plan their Ireland vacation around, chances are you'll visit at least one.

And you should.

The combination of nature's artistry and human design make visiting Irish gardens a truly spellbinding experience worth fitting into your itinerary.

These gardens are well-known and tend to be found on many Ireland itineraries.

Powerscourt Gardens

Nearly every day trip from Dublin to Wicklow includes the 47 acres of immaculate gardens on the Powerscourt Estate. And for good reason.

Everything you look for in a magnificent garden you'll find here. Walled garden? Check. Japanese garden? Check. Immaculate lawns. Yep. Woodland pathways. You got it. Lake with a fountain? Yes – and it even has a grand stairway leading to the house. You'll even find a tower, worthy of any fairytale, that you can climb.

Plan to spend a few hours here if you can. And before you leave grab lunch from Avoca to take to the Powerscourt Waterfall- the tallest in Ireland (separate entry fee).

Kylemore Abbey Walled Garden

It's about a 15-minute speed-walk from stunning Kylemore Abbey in County Galway to the Victorian walled gardens that are nestled beneath the Black Stack Mountains. If you have the time, I highly recommend a more leisurely stroll. If you don't want to walk a free shuttle is available.

The garden covers approximately 6 acres and is divided by a mountain stream. The eastern half of the garden is the formal flower garden, lush with blooms in all colors and sizes. Crossing the stream to the western half you enter the ‘kitchen garden' with vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees.

To fully explore Kylemore Abbey & Gardens allow 3 hours minimum. This will give you time to enjoy the tour and history of the house, walk along the lake to the miniature Gothic church, visit the gardens (where you might also see the Connemara ponies), and enjoy a well-earned treat in the Tea Rooms or the visitors centre.

Articles like this highlight a few great options — but they’re just a small part of what Ireland offers.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you understand how to combine them into a trip that feels balanced and easy to navigate.

The Gardens at Blarney Castle

The Blarney Stone may be the first thing people think of when visiting Blarney Castle in County Cork, but I think the castle ruin dims in comparison to the estate's extensive gardens.

With over 11 gardens ‘areas' spread over 60 acres you'll find plenty to explore. My personal favorites are the Poison Garden, which sits just beneath the castle's famous stone. Harry Potter fans will recognize some of the plants here. The Rock Close is the oldest ‘garden' on the estate, said to be an ancient druidic settlement.

Not far from this is a circle of nine standing stones, two of which have fallen, known as the 7 sisters. The legend tells of a chieftan with 9 children – 2 sons and 7 daughters. Taking his sons on their first battle against a cattle raider, the sons were killed. Returning home with the bodies of his sons it is said he stopped at this spot and ordered his men to knock over two of the stones.

When visiting Blarney Castle & Gardens allow yourself a minimum of 2.5 hours – though I recommend a full morning or afternoon.

The Gardens at Muckross House

You'll find Muckross House in the heart of Killarney National Park in County Kerry.

During the 1850s the gardens underwent extensive work for the visit of Queen Victoria in 1861. In the early 20th century the Bourne Vincent family expanded the gardens with the addition of the Sunken Garden, the Rock Garden and the Stream Garden. Today the gardens are most popular in the summer months when the rhododendrons are in riotous bloom.

You can drive to Muckross House or take a jaunting car tour of the national park that can take you to Muckross House.

Some of these gardens may be a bit off the tourist trail. But that's definitely to your benefit as you may feel like you have them to yourself!

Lismore Castle Gardens

Though you can't tour Lismore Castle in County Waterford (though you can rent it if you pockets are deep enough), the idyllic gardens are open to the public. We love the ‘hidden' natural playground and the more natural trails away from the manicured formal garden.
Tip: just down the road is one of my favorite ‘hidden' spots – Ballysaggartmore Towers. Be sure to wear your walking shoes!

Vandeleur Walled Garden

The tranquil oasis of Vandeleur Walled Garden near Kilrush in County Clare is known for its stunning rose collection and relaxing garden paths. A small hedge maze and a meditation path take your mind in different directions as you explore. This is a great spot to visit if you are using the Shannon Ferry as you cross from Clare to Kerry (or vice versa).

Irish National Stud & Gardens

Located in County Kildare on the route from Dublin to most points west, these gardens should be on your list, even if you're not a ‘horsey type'. The magnificent Japanese Garden, often called the finest of their kind in Europe, is a soothing guide through the ‘Life of Man', allowing you to choose your own path and teaching you a few life lessons along the way. St Fiachra's garden named for the patron saint of gardeners has a more soothing, natural feel, a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The Irish National Stud & Gardens feature in the free Horse Country itinerary!

The Gardens at Glenveagh Castle

Located in Glenveagh National Park in Donegal the castle gardens feature both a Victorian Garden and a walled garden. Surrounding this you have acres of ‘wild' gardens with marked trails to explore. No cars are allowed in Glenveagh National Park so you can opt to walk, rent a bicycle, or take the shuttle to the castle. You can easily spend a few hours here wandering the gardens, touring the castle, and wandering the trails.

The Gardens at Bantry House

Bantry House in West Cork is surrounded by gardens. In front of the house, leading to the bay is the terraced garden with 14 round beds. Behind the house is an ornamental garden overlooked by 100 steps. Climbing to the top of these steps offers a dramatic view of Bantry Bay and an entrance to the woodlands. Beyond this is the walled garden which is slowly being restored.
Tip: You can stay in Bantry House!

Birr Castle Demense

If you want one garden the entire family will love, choose Birr Castle Demense. Beyond the formal gardens and terraces – including the world's tallest box hedge – you'll find woodland strolls, waterfalls, river walks, and the ‘Whirlpool Spiral' of lime trees. In the middle of all of this is the world's largest telescope (until the early 1900s) and Ireland's largest treehouse. There is also a wonderful science museum. Birr Castle is still a private residence, but some summer dates do offer castle tours.

Glenarm Castle Gardens

Located along Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast, the gardens at Glenarm Castle include a formal walled garden with vibrant flower borders and more informal spots like the kitchen garden and herb garden. The walled garden is also home to seven rescued hedgehogs. While visiting you'll also want to enjoy the woodland walk.
Tip: Glenarm Castle offers a few options to stay onsite, including ocean view pods and the Barbicon Gate.

The final two gardens aren't full gardens but definitely deserve to be shared.

Garden of Remembrance

On a hill in Ringfinnan seemingly endless rows of trees overlook Kinsale, County Cork. Created by Kathleen Cait Murphy, a New York City nurse originally from Kinsale, the Garden of Remembrance is dedicated to the firefighters and their Chaplain, Father Michael Judge, who died during, and following, the attack on New York on September 11, 2001. Each tree includes information about one of the fallen heroes and many are adorned with personal items left by family and friends.

Dunbrody Abbey Hedge Maze

If you find yourself in County Wexford I highly recommend a stop to complete this hedge maze created of yew trees. In the centre is a tall viewing platform – terrific for yelling hints to those who are still trying to navigate the maze.
Before leaving be sure to visit Dunbrody Abbey, just across the road. This Cistercian Monastery has been standing 850 years.

Ireland's magnificent gardens are a testament to the country's natural beauty and rich history. From the grandeur of Powerscourt to the remote wildness of Glenveagh, each garden offers a unique experience that will leave you wishing you could recreate even a bit of that magnificence at home.

Whether you're a green thumb or simply appreciate the wonders of nature, consider adding a couple of these gardens during your unforgettable trip to Ireland.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you turn ideas like these into a trip that fits your time and travel style.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 196

The post Enchanting Gardens in Ireland – Amazing Irish Experiences appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Round towers are an -almost- uniquely Irish structure. (Only 3 ancient round towers exist outside of Ireland.)

In Irish they are called cloitheach (cloy- cach), meaning bell house, and were probably built between the 9th and 12th centuries.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page.

At least 120 round towers are thought to have existed in Ireland. Today about 20 towers survive in complete condition.

The monastic settlement of Glendalough, located in the Wicklow Mountains, is a popular day trip from Dublin. The round tower stands tall in the ‘valley of the two lakes', almost presiding over the cemetery, churches, and cathedral. There is quite a lot to see and do here, including some wonderful walks around the lake and along mountain paths.

Clonmacnoise was a major centre of learning and trade from the 8th to 12th centuries, located at one of the most important crossroads of ancient Ireland. You'll find two round towers here, though one is missing a top. Clonmacnoise also has 3 high crosses; the Cross of Scriptures is 13 feet tall and absolutely magnificent.

The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster until 1101 when it was donated to the church by the reigning king. The round tower is the oldest structure on the site. The sight of the magnificent castle structure atop the stony outcropping and reigning over the surrounding farmland is one that will leave you in awe.

Many visitors make the pilgrimage to Kells in County Meath as that is where the Book of Kells was held until 1654, before it was presented to Trinity College in 1661 (where you can see it today). The round tower, though still standing, has lost its cap. Five high crosses, in various states, are also here.

Articles like this highlight a few great options — but they’re just a small part of what Ireland offers.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you understand how to combine them into a trip that feels balanced and easy to navigate.

If your itinerary doesn't take you near any of those popular spots there are plenty more round towers to visit. These are some of my favorites.

Rattoo round tower in County Kerry was the first round tower I saw in Ireland. In 2002 I was following the route that would become the Wild Atlantic Way when I saw the cone in the distance. As I drove the road became more narrow, finally becoming a path. And there it stood. I had it all to myself… It was magical. The Rattoo round tower is the only complete round tower in Kerry and also has a sheela na gig.

Ardmore, County Waterford, is believed to be the oldest Christian settlement in Ireland, founded by St. Declan in the 5th century. Rising from a hill overlooking the town below, the round tower dates to the 12th century. The round tower marks the end of the cliff walk, which begins at the beach, following the coast past St. Declan's Stone, up the (steep) hill past the Cliff House Hotel (amazing spot to stay), and then to the holy well and the ruined church, before continuing along the cliffs to the cathedral and church yard.

You're likely to pass near Kilmacdough Monestery in County Galway if you are driving between Galway city and the Cliffs of Moher. The round tower is noted as the tallest standing round tower in Ireland.

Scattery Island, in the Shannon Estuary , is owned by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and is (obviously) only reachable by boat. Scattery Island Tours offers daily sailings during the season. The round tower on Scattery is unique as the door is at ground level. The island also has seven small churches, a holy well, a lighthouse, and an artillery battery.

The round tower at Turlough Abbey in County Mayo appears rather short and squat when compared to other towers. This abbey is one of few that survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII and, later, Oliver Cromwell. If you visit the National Museum of Ireland Country Life in Castlebar the round tower can be seen from there and makes a nice addition to your visit.

A round tower, locally known as The Steeple, still remains from an ancient monastic settlement in the town of Antrim, Northern Ireland. Nearby is a ‘witches stone', the story being that a witch, upset by the construction of the tower, climbed to the top and jumped off, landing on the stone and leaving the impression of her knee and elbow. Legend says that one hollow never runs dry.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you turn ideas like these into a trip that fits your time and travel style.

The round tower at Glasnevin Cemetery, built in 1855 to commemorate Irish political leader Daniel O'Connell can be climbed, but it is not quite as impressive as scaling an ancient round tower.

Just west of Dublin Kildare Cathedral, also known as St. Brigid's Cathedral, was built on the site of an important Celtic Christian abbey said to have been founded by Saint Brigid. The round tower can be climbed – be sure to note the Romanesque decoration around the doorway -and do visit the cathedral which also has a sheela-na-gig.

St. Canice's Cathedral, at the opposite end of Kilkenny's Medieval Mile from Kilkenny Castle, has a climbable tower which was built in the 9th century. The Cathedral is Early Gothic in design and is the second longest cathedral in Ireland, St. Patrick's in Dublin is longer. Purchase your tickets to climb the 100 foot tower inside the cathedral.

Devenish Island in County Fermanagh had two round towers, though one remains intact and can be scaled. This is the only high tower you can climb that still retains a conical cap. The base of the cap has a decorative cornice with a carved head above each of the 4 rectangular windows, Commercial boat tours of Lower Lough Erne can take you to the island, which also has multiple church ruins and an intricate high cross.

Traveling in Ireland Episode 193

The post Round Towers – Amazing Ireland Experiences appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

My mom and daughter left this morning and our final day was spent ‘vacationing'.

Now, that probably sounds like a ‘duh' statement, because they were in Ireland for a vacation.

But, sometimes it is so easy to go-go-go, see and do everything, and forget that you should also take the time to relax a bit.

On their final day we did two small things. We did a bit of shopping (my daughter wanted ‘non-gaudy' gifts for friends) and we stopped at the 2nd tallest high cross in Ireland.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page to listen.

And then we arrived at their final hotel – Killashee House in Naas, County Kildare.

We enjoyed a leisurely Afternoon Tea and strolled through the gardens (my daughter took a ride on the cable swing at the on-site playground) before my mom went to the spa for a bit of pampering.

We shared a final dinner in the on site restaurant before finishing their packing and turning in early-ish.

After the morning airport run I enjoyed my own spa retreat – hydrotherapy pool, dry floatation, hot oil back massage, and facial. It was the perfect way to wrap up the week (and ready myself for the next two).

Just 30 minutes from Dublin, Kilashee Hotel is a terrific hotel for your first night in Ireland, or your final night before leaving.

Our family room, which could have slept up to 5, was comfortable and my suite is absolutely charming, with a separate sitting room and entry.

Meals are very good with plenty of variety, and the grounds, with multiple gardens and a playgrounds, are extensive.

In addition to the spa you will also find a leisure centre – both terrific for fighting off jet lag or spending a day ‘vacationing' before you head home.

Kilashee is also a terrific base if your explorations include the counties of Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow, or Laois.

A huge thank you to Bespoke Excursions for arranging our travel this past week.

Everything, from car rental & accommodations, to booking activities, dining, and attractions, was handled for us.

If you want a custom self-drive tour created – and booked!- for you, contact Eion at Bespoke Excursions. (And check out podcast episode 156, Southeast Ireland's Celtic Coast, to learn more.)

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 172

The post Travel Tip: Don’t Forget You’re on Vacation + Killashee House Hotel appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.