County Kildare: Gardens, Parklands and Trails

County Kildare combines parklands, historic collections, landscaped gardens and trails of varying lengths. Several distinct highlights can help you plan your trip: culture and parkland in Celbridge, nature and orienteering in Donadea, and a long cycling and walking route along the Royal Canal. You can also enjoy garden design, bogland and exhibitions.

Parkland and a collection in Celbridge

Castletown House is in Celbridge, County Kildare, on 18th-century parkland beside the River Liffey. The parklands are open year-round from 07:00 to 22:00; check the latest visitor information before your trip. The house contains a significant collection of paintings, furnishings and art objects. Castletown House is easily accessible by public transport. It is advisable to check current bus and rail services before travelling.

Trails and history in Donadea

At Donadea Forest Park, the Lake Walk offers a clear option for a shorter stroll: it is 0.8 kilometres long, takes about 30 minutes and is accessible to everyone. There are also three permanent orienteering courses, graded by length as short, medium and long: 1.8, 3.4 and 4.6 kilometres. These details allow you to compare the route lengths directly; an approximate duration is also given for the Lake Walk. The park also includes Donadea Castle and the estate that was the former home of the Aylmer family until 1935. The grounds therefore offer practical opportunities to get active alongside a historical connection to the Aylmer family.

A long route along the Royal Canal

The Royal Canal Greenway runs for over 130 kilometres from Maynooth in County Kildare to Clondra in County Longford. The route is designated for walking and cycling. Maynooth is therefore a starting point for a route that crosses county boundaries; the Greenway is not limited to Kildare. If this route is part of your plans, check current trail conditions before setting out.

Thoroughbred history and garden design

The Irish Racehorse Experience takes visitors through the history and heritage of the Irish thoroughbred sector. A free daytime guided tour is also regularly offered at the Irish National Stud and is included in the admission price. As tour arrangements may change, check them before your visit. The Japanese Gardens were created between 1906 and 1910. They were designed by Japanese garden artist Tassa Eida and his son Minoru. St. Fiachra’s Garden offers a different landscape, with woodland, wetlands, waterfalls, lakes and streams. The stud farm and St. Fiachra’s Garden are fully accessible; check the latest accessibility information before travelling.

Bogland and exhibitions

Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park in Rathangan combines environmental tours with a 9,000-year journey through Irish history, presented through exhibitions and multimedia displays. From the Biodiversity Boardwalk, you can see lakes and peat bogs with birch trees, heather and cotton grass. Facilities listed include an indoor play centre, an outdoor area with crazy golf, a petting zoo and a park railway. As activity availability may vary, check the latest visitor information before planning your visit.

Visitor centre in Newbridge

The Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre in Newbridge includes a factory showroom and the Museum of Style Icons. The museum’s collection includes couture, Hollywood glamour and music memorabilia, as well as other artefacts. Newbridge therefore complements the gardens and landscapes with a focus on fashion and pop-culture memorabilia.

Discover more destinations

Kildare, Droichead Nua, Straffan, Celbridge, Calverstown, Kilcullen, Kildangan, Ballitore, Carbury, Monasterevin, Moone, Narraghmore, Johnstown, Prosperous, Ballymore Eustace, Kilmartin, Moyvally, Leixlip, Clane, Castledermot, Athy, Maynooth, Naas.

For the broader travel overview: Leinster.