County Kildare is one of Ireland’s 32 counties and the 24th largest in the country. Sitting just southwest of Dublin, it is a true slice of Ireland. With a natural beauty of its own, it is famous for its horse racing history. Below, we discuss why you must visit County Kildare.
The Wider County of Kildare
Kildare is a landlocked county in the middle to east of the country. A lowland area, it is very flat until it starts to rise at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains. With three major rivers, this makes it perfect for gentle walking and cycling holidays.
Kildare Town is a small but bountiful shopping area. It has several high-street stores and some boutique offerings. You can also find a few interesting museums close by, most notably the Museum of Style Icons, which is perfect for any budding fashionistas.
Kildare’s Horse Racing Legacy
The county is most famous for its horse racing legacy. In recent years, there has been a huge boom in interest in the sport. This has been down to several factors, including the increased accessibility afforded to the sport brought on by the digital age. People are now able to watch races from anywhere in the world through their mobile devices.
This has even extended to racehorse ownership. Once, being in a syndicate required a large bankroll and contacts. Now, anyone can invest in a racehorse. Online providers will keep them up to date on the horse’s development, and they will also reap the reward of any race winnings the horse earns, relevant to their share. This has opened ownership up to more people, providing further investment in the sport.
The Irish National Stud is in Kildare, and while it is a running operation, you can still visit it. It is one of the country’s major tourist attractions. There is an interactive visitor centre, and you will get to meet some of the horses that are currently being bred, along with their cute foals. Even retired stars of racing like Hurricane Fly are there.
Finally, no visit is complete without a race meeting at The Curragh. The racecourse is Ireland’s premier flat course and is steeped in history dating back to 1727. It is the home of Ireland’s five most important races, so you may time the visit right and get to see one.
Kildare’s Obscure Sights
Around Kildare, there are some lesser-visited spots the more adventurous traveller may want to tick off their list. Just over the border in County Laois, you will be able to visit the Rock of Dunamase. In 845 AD, the Iron Age Hill Fort that was here was conquered by Vikings. Since then, it was converted into a castle that was later blown up. Today, you can explore the ruins of both as they intertwine and provide beautiful views of the two counties.
Kildare is easy to access, as it is not too far from Dublin and its numerous transport links. As a lesser-frequented area, you may wish to book accommodation and tickets for your visit in advance to avoid disappointment. Kildare is a beautiful jewel in the emerald isle, waiting for you to explore.