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Dun Aillinne Hill Fort
Kildare
Co Kildare
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Believed to have once been the seat of the Kings of Leinster, Dun Aillinne Hill Fort has a circular wall 15 feet high and 450 yards in diameter, enclosing an area of approximately 20 acres. Recent excavations have indicated that the site was probably in use from the Bronze Age until as late as 1800.
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St Brigid’s Cathedral
Market Square
Kildare
Co Kildare
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Constructed in 1223 by the Norman Bishop Ralph of Bristol, St Brigid’s Cathedral is believed to stand on the site of St Brigid’s original church from the 5th century. Built in the early gothic style, the cathedral was also designed for defence, a legacy of the turmoil throughout the early Norman period.
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Kildare Round Tower
Kildare
Co Kildare
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The Kildare Round Tower is of 12th century construction and stands 108 feet high, offering superb views of the town and the surrounding countryside. It is the second highest Round Tower in Ireland but the highest one that can be climbed.
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Kildare Castle
The Square
Kildare
Co Kildare
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Just behind the Silken Thomas pub is the remains of the 12th century Kildare Castle. Formerly the stronghold of the Fitzgerald’s, the castle was once one of the most important in all of Leinster. However, little remains of the original castle except for a single tower and an enclosure, which is believed to be the remnants of the former castle bawn.
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Irish National Stud, Japanese Gardens, St Fiachra's Garden & The Horse Museum
Kildare
Co Kildare
353 (0)45-521 617
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Located just outside of Kildare town is the world famous Irish National Stud, home to some of Ireland’s finest thoroughbred horses. The Japanese Gardens and St. Fiachra’s Garden are also located here. The Japanese Gardens, laid out between 1906 and 1910, have been preserved as part of Ireland’s Heritage and boast a horticultural, philosophical and historical significance. The four acres of St Fiachra’s Garden, meanwhile, were created to celebrate the Millenium and include woodland and lakeside walks.
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The Curragh Racecourse
The Curragh
Co Kildare
353 (0) 45 441 205
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The Curragh Racecourse near Kildare is the headquarters of horse racing in Ireland and is one of the country’s premier sporting venues. Hosting its first race in 1741, today all five Classic Races − the Boylesports Irish 1000 and 2000 Guineas, Budweiser Irish Derby, Darley Irish Oaks and Irish Field St leger − are all run here.
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