Irish Working Sheepdogs
Michael Crowe, a renowned sheepdog handler, offers a memorable experience of seeing working border collies in action. Irish Working Sheepdogs in Ballybaught, County Kildare, offers the chance to experience a taste of true Irish heritage. Michael demonstrates the art of sheep herding as he puts his faithful dogs to work, explaining what each command means, and the different techniques used in training his dogs.
The Royal Curragh Golf Club
The Royal Curragh Golf Club in County Kildare, is Ireland’s oldest golf course. It is a challenging heathland course of 6,585yds. Detailed research has proven that golf was first played on the plains of the Curragh in County Kildare in 1852. The club was founded in 1858, making it, also, the oldest golf club in Ireland. The club has over 900 members of all categories and visitors are also welcome. There is an extensive practice area at the The Royal Curragh Golf Club which includes a full 250 yard driving range for which tokens for range balls are available from the Pro Shop, golf nets and practice bunkers. It is the perfect place for a pre round warm up. The practice putting green which fronts the clubhouse will enable you sharpen this important area of the game while offering panoramic views of the course.
Highfield Golf Course
Highfield Golf Course, Carbury, County Kildare, is a fine example of a traditional parkland design. The natural contours of the historical Highfield Estate, cared for by the Duggan Family for over 270 years, provides the perfect canvas for this naturally derived 18-hole parkland golf course. The clubhouse is an unusual structure, the only one of its kind in Ireland. After your round, enjoy a freshly baked scone, a toasted daily special or some delicious bar food served every weekend. There is a driving range open to the public and tokens are available at reception. Visitors are always welcome to Highfield Golf Course.
Osprey Spa at Osprey Hotel
The Osprey Spa in County Kildare is a thermal area which is based on an ancient heating and cooling bathing ritual. Guests can meander through the thermal rooms and be reminded why spa therapy has grown to be the ultimate experience in well being. There is a range of relaxing treatments available. Before and after treatments, guests can unwind in their relaxation room to find their sense of peace, and detoxify and lounge in their sauna, steam room, salt grotto, Arctic cabin, footbaths and sanarium.
Arthur's Bar at the Court Yard Hotel
Arthur's Bar at the Court Yard Hotel in County Kildare, offers a delicious bar food menu. There is also a late bar at weekends and a large beer garden to enjoy a drink on those bright summer evenings. Arthur’s Bar is a wonderful venue to watch all live sporting events. Whether it is rugby, soccer or GAA Arthur's outdoor screen and plasma screens are sure to be showing the match. Celebrate every occasion including, christenings, birthday parties, summer barbecues or Christmas gatherings at Arthur's Bar.
Golf Vacations Ireland
Golf Vacations Ireland arranges great golf tours of Ireland. Clients can choose from a number of set tours or can customise their own tour using Golf Vacations Ireland's online tour planner. The company provides a number of different travel options, including chauffeur drive, self drive and helicopters. They also provide different levels of accommodation, depending on the customer's needs.
Fairways and FunDays
Fairways and FunDays offer ultimate Golf and Ireland Tours. World Famous Golf, Stunning Scenery, Amazing Activities, Exhilarating Entertainment and Magical Memories are guaranteed on all of our exciting Tours. Whether you dream of walking the same fairways which Tiger has walked, or playing like a Tour Pro for a week, Fairways and FunDays can make your dream a reality. Fairways and FunDays also customise outstanding itineraries for Non Golfers and Families to ensure a dream vacation in Ireland. You can concentrate on your golf and on enjoying Ireland while Fairways and FunDays take care of everything else. With a wide variety of choices at incredible prices, this is your ultimate Golf and Ireland getaway. So why not call to book a tour with us.
Craddockstown Golf Club
Craddockstown Golf Club in County Kildare, is an idyllic 144 acre parkland course with six mini lakes to test any golfer's handicap. Set in the magnificent surroundings of the Kildare countryside. It provides a true test for golfers of any standard with several signature holes surrounded by beautiful water features. The bunkering is well located and lurks to catch that wayward tee or approach shot. There is an abundance of wildlife on the course to enhance the natural setting of Craddockstown Golf Club. The club house is centrally placed to ensure panoramic views over the course. There is also a pro golf shop and full practice facilities.
Newbridge Golf Club
Newbridge Golf Club in County Kildare is an 18-hole parkland course just 30 minutes south of Dublin City. The course boasts USGA specification greens and tees. Experienced and novice golfers will enjoy the challenges that the course offers. The first 9 holes are dominated by the Hill of Allen, the 3rd and 6th dance around the Bog of Allen, and holes around the turn are especially challenging, with water features giving the golfer something extra to watch out for. Over 40,000 trees of many varieties have been planted, including Japanese larch, cedars of Lebanon and Norwegian maple along with the more common place oak and copper beech trees. All of the planting contributes to the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere on the course. The club is noted for its wildlife, with herons, moor hens, kingfisher and wild ducks all prominent throughout the course. There is also an active grey partridge and pheasant breeding programme under way. After putting your final shot on the 18th, enjoy the facilities in the clubhouse, including the Bay Leaf restaurant and the clubhouse bar that features a 180 degree view of the course.
BoscaSauna
BoscaSauna features a top tier woodfired sauna along with a chilled plunge pool for premium wellness. Complementing the core experience, there is a coffee dock onsite serving a selection of specially curated drinks and snacks that enhance this sauna retreat. Individual and group sessions can be booked directly through their online booking system.
Horse Country
Visit Horse Country, where the pinnacle of Ireland's equestrian excellence comes alive across the stunning landscapes of counties Kildare and Tipperary. Experience the thrill of VIP tours at prestigious stud farms or explore trainer's yards and racecourses from behind the scenes. Guests can enjoy the thrill of petting horses, interactive exhibits, hands on activities and race day experiences. With unmatched hospitality and authenticity, Horse Country offers unforgettable adventures for all, celebrating the timeless bond between humans and horses.
Kildare Town Heritage Centre
Kildare Town Heritage Centre is both a visitor attraction and a tourist office with countywide information and a souvenir shop. The highlight of the heritage centre is the Legends of Kildare VR Experience, a magical journey through time that begins with a warm medieval welcome. Meet legendary characters, witness ancient Fianna training and soar with a peregrine falcon. This emotionally charged story brings history to life. The Legends of Kildare VR Experience is perfect for families, small groups and history lovers. The experience is available year round in English, Irish, French, German and Chinese. Discover Kildare’s heritage like never before.
The Playbarn
The Playbarn, Johnstown, County Kildare, is a purpose built indoor playground for children. It comprises of a multi storey play and slide area which is divided into sections for babies and under twos, under fives and five to twelve year olds. There is a play frame, giant Lego area, football pitch, penalty shootout area and wavy slides for the kids to enjoy. Parents and guardians can make themselves comfortable in a separate area with free WiFi, newspapers, magazines, and where all sports events are screened. There is no need to pre book. Simply arrive and let the kids go. Parents and guardians can sit, relax and enjoy food and drink at the café. The Playbarn also caters for children’s birthday parties. Take the stress out of the day while you enjoy your child’s special day.
Curragh Military Museum
The Curragh Military Museum tells the story of the physical environment of the Curragh plains from the fungal flora to the rich archaeological sites. The museum is sub-divided into three parts. Great care has been taken to transform the building into a modern museum which will take the visitor on a historic journey through time. Before viewing the exhibits, there is audio visual presentation. The modern Irish Defence Forces on the Curragh. The social history of the camp. The Sliabh na mBan Rolls Royce armoured car is now on display in the Curragh Military Museum. This car formed part of General Michael Collins convoy which was ambushed on the 22nd of August 1922 in which he was killed. To avoid disappointment please telephone to find out if the vehicle is on display the day of your visit as there are days that the vehicle is not available.
Kilcock Art Gallery
The Kilcock Art Gallery is situated in a picturesque village just half an hour's drive from Dublin City off the M4 motorway, in County Kildare. The gallery was established in 1978 by Breda Smyth and opened by George Campbell RHA. Since then the gallery has been dealing in fine paintings, sculpture and prints by all the leading names in Irish art. The gallery is a welcoming place with an easy and friendly atmosphere, offering advice and help to its clients. It is a real treasure trove of both established and new artistic talent catering for the varying tastes of all collectors. The gallery consults with companies, hotels and private collectors, finding the right pieces for particular locations and building individual collections. Export facilities and worldwide packing and transport can be arranged for clients. Amenities include guided tours, parking, retail outlet and disabled access. Check their website for the gallery calendar of exhibitions and events.
Goffs Bloodstock Sales
Since it was established in 1866, Goffs has long been an historical and integral part of the world of Irish horse racing. Today, Goffs is Ireland's leading bloodstock sales company, while Doncaster Bloodstock Sales Ltd (DBS), which merged with Goffs in 2007, is the second largest and fastest growing thoroughbred auction house in the UK. Combined with a major shareholding in the leading French sales company Arqana, the group is committed to becoming the leading European sales company by offering an unrivalled customer focused service to the bloodstock Industry. Goffs holds eight bloodstock sales a year from the custom built Goffs sales complex, a facility unrivalled by any other anywhere in the world. In addition they stage flat Breeze Up sales on Polytrack at Kempton Racecourse near London and Dundalk Racecourse in Ireland. Their sales cater for every sector of the Flat and National Hunt markets and truly offer something for everyone. Goffs is located in Kill, County Kildare, the heart of the Irish racing and breeding industry.
Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre
The Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre, in County Kildare, was originally set up as a cutlery manufacturing company in 1934. Explore the centre and see iconic pieces in their lifestyle store including the best selling collection by Amy Huberman. Admire their vintage section with handpicked treasures from past decades. Spend some time at the Museum of Style Icons which has one of the world’s greatest collections of authentic couture style, Hollywood glamour, music memorabilia and other artefacts. See collections and artefacts which once belonged to some of the greatest style icons of modern times such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace, Princess Diana, the Beatles and many more. Book the factory tour and see behind the scenes in the production room. Immerse yourself in the history of the business and speak to the people who create these exceptional Newbridge pieces. Domo’s Emporium takes great pride in its local and Irish sourced fine foods. The food is prepared in house to the highest of standards by their chefs and served by friendly and accommodating staff who will ensure your visit is a memorable one. For some quality time on your own, for a get together with friends or family, or to order a basket of fine food for that special occasion, visit Domo’s Emporium and savour your time there to relax and enjoy. Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre provides a warm Irish welcome to all their visitors.
The Pippin Tree Restaurant at Killashee Hotel
Experience a romantic dinner and an authentic food experience amidst old world charm at The Pippin Tree Restaurant at Killashee Hotel in County Kildare. Access to the outdoor terrace also gives you the option to dine outside while taking in the stunning sights and sounds of the pretty gardens at Killashee Hotel. The Pippin Tree menu offers modern Irish cuisine and has been carefully crafted, celebrating some of the finest local ingredients. The Pippin Tree is open daily for breakfast and dinner.
Curragh Racecourse
The Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare has played a central role in daily life on the unique 2,000 acres of the Curragh Plains for hundreds of years. The Curragh Plains are home to 1,000 racehorses in training, in stables located around three distinct training grounds. The Curragh Racecourse is home to Ireland’s 5 most important flat races each year known collectively as the Classics. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, first run in 1866, is run on the last Saturday in June each year. It is a major social as well as sporting occasion. The Curragh Racecourse stage meetings take place from March to October each year. The Curragh Racecourse grandstand is a world-class facility with high comfort levels and where the overall customer experience remains the priority. Horse racing is the most social of sports and very family friendly. Children under 18 go free. Horse racing and the thoroughbred horse have been a central part of the rich tapestry of the Curragh plains for centuries and the origins of place names indicates that the Curragh was a chosen location for horse racing going back thousands of years. The Curragh Plains have a breadth and depth of history equal to anywhere in Ireland. Whether your interest is in archelogy, military, farming, political and sporting history, the Curragh Plains has a fascinating story to tell and a journey through these stories explains how the tapestry of life and activity on the Curragh has thrived with a vibrancy from the earliest oral history right through to today. The Curragh Racecourse is delighted to announce that they will soon take bookings for behind the scenes tours of the grandstand and enclosures. You will get to visit locations that are strictly off limits to the public on race days, such as the jockeys changing room, the weigh room and the VIP top floor balcony overlooking the Curragh Plains.
Castlewarden Golf Club
Castlewarden Golf Club in County Kildare, had 160 acres of lush pastureland transformed into a magnificent par-72, 6,704yd, 18-hole parkland golf course. It opened as a members owned club in 1990. The original course development was undertaken by the well known golf professional and course designer Tommy Halpin. In 1993 Bobby Browne was commissioned for the second stage of development and undertook a redesign of the course. In 1995 the much acclaimed course architect the late Tom Craddock gave his design recommendations for a long term development plan. Finally, and more recently in 2008 the design services of Tommy Halpin were enlisted again to complete the final stage of the club's vision for this grand design. The course has matured beautifully over the 20 years and bears little resemblance to the original design. Many thousands of trees have been planted and today Castlewarden boasts an enviable selection of native and exotic trees. The members now enjoy a course of Championship standard and it presents an interesting challenge for every level of golfer. The house known as Castlewarden House pre-date the 16th century. In 1941 the Harrington family sold the farm of 200 acres to the O’Malley family. The O'Malley's then lived there and enjoyed a thriving mixed farming family business until they sold 160 acres approx. to what is now home to Castlewarden Golf and Country Club. In 2004, the original house, which is listed as a national monument, was tastefully extended to include a new bar and restaurant with excellent views of the first and third holes. Fully fitted ladies and gents locker rooms and professional golf shop now complete these modern clubhouse facilities.
The Ballymore Inn
The Ballymore Inn is an award winning gastropub located in Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare. The menu starts with choosing the best ingredients, sustainable fish, and fully traceable Bord Bia approved Irish beef, poultry, pork and bacon. Local artisan growers and producers supply many of the ingredients you see on the menus. Their own garden polytunnels provide greens, beets, fruit and micro herbs all year round. The menus focus on four things, seasonality, provenance, innovation and balance, with an emphasis on modern Irish food. Vegetarians and children are catered for in pleasant dining surroundings. Choose from a great selection of Irish and international craft beers to enjoy with your meal, including those from the Dew Drop Brewhouse selection that is brewed locally by their sister business.
Coolcarrigan House
Coolcarrigan House and Gardens has one of the best collections of trees and shrubs in Ireland. Approached by a wonderful long avenue of trees under planted with a mass of spring bulbs and a fantastic display of rhododendrons and azaleas. The herbaceous border and greenhouses adjacent to the house create a stunning setting. There are over eight acres of garden and arboretum. There are some spectacular displays of colour through the year. There is also a small private church surrounded by moat. Disabled Access The garden is very accessible for disabled and one motorised buggy can be made available if request. Guided Tours Group tours are welcome at other times by appointment and if required lunches or teas can be provided in the house.
Hanged Man's Pub & Restaurant
The Hanged Man's Pub & Restaurant in County Kildare is steeped in rich history. The building dates back to the early mid-18th century and played an integral role in the development of the Grand Canal. It served as a vital depot for the Canal Company, supporting the growth and progress of the waterway. Today, it is a bar and restaurant, where great service and an unforgettable culinary experience is delivered. The menu is a blend of regular favourites and weekly specials displayed on a specials board. Fresh and locally sourced ingredients is used, giving you bold flavours and supports local producers. The Hanged Man's Pub & Restaurant is renowned for it's hearty steaks, fruity cocktails and tasty pints. Some of the more popular dishes on the menu include, Hanged Man's potato skins, the seafood chowder, honey roast duck, Hanged Man's surf & turf pasta and the Hanged Man's real burger. The Hanged Man's bar was designed in the traditonal Irish bar style. The carefully selected lights create the perfect atmosphere for conversations with friends, colleagues or family. Hanged Man's offer an extensive range of wines, premium beers and handcrafted cocktails. There is also a great love for music at the Hanged Man's Pub & Restaurant. Some popular musical acts have played here, including Bagatelle and Freddie White. On the last Saturday of every month Hanged Man's Pub & Restaurant's resident band Hillbilly Porter plays.
Harrigan’s Bar & Restaurant
Harrigan’s Bar & Restaurant in County Kildare, is a very modern and stylishly decorated inside in an essentially traditional manner. Heavy dark wooden tables are complemented by leather banquette seats and heavy wooden chairs with leather seats. Wooden panelling runs around the wall, and large gilt framed mirrors decorate the walls. The bar is at the front, with the restaurant area at the back. It has a very impressive menu with starters, main courses and desserts. Some of the more popular dishes include, fried calamari, confit of pork belly, fillet steaks, mozzarella linguini and a nutella panna cotta. It also offers a wide selection of fine wines, craft beers, gin and fruit cocktails. All major sports events are shown live at Harrigan’s Bar & Restaurant, from GAA to soccer, rugby and horseracing events. Harrigan’s Bar & Restaurant is closed every Monday and Tuesday.