Kick Back In Kildare

From the best views to the best pints, here are our top picks of places to visit in Co. Kildare.

Why only see one beautiful view when you can immerse yourself in a fairytale garden where every turn of your head will leave you in awe. The Irish National Stud and Gardens is located in the heart of theThoroughbred county, welcoming you to a land of horses, trees, and gardens that celebrate nature. One of the highlights in this park is the Japanese Gardens, renowned throughout the world and the finest of their kind in Europe, were devised by Colonel William Hall Walker and laid out by Japanese master horticulturist Tassa Eida and his son Minoru. Its aim was, through trees, plants, flowers, lawns, rocks and water, to symbolise the ‘Life of Man’. Very much representative of Japanese gardens from the early 20th century, Eida’s work traces the journey of a soul from oblivion to eternity and portrays the human experience of its embodiment as it journeys by paths of its own choice through life. Birth, childhood, marriage, parenthood, old age, death and the afterlife are all brought to mind as the gardens, a seamless mixture of Eastern and Western cultures, are explored. Whether you love gardens, are a horse enthusiast, or a complete novice you are guaranteed a fun family day out at the Irish National Stud and Gardens in County Kildare.

Read more in the August issue…