Things to do in
Kildare

Our most recommended things to do in Kildare

From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway City Day Tour

From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway City Day Tour

Embark on a guided day trip to discover the iconic Cliffs of Moher by bus. Visit Galway City and its stunning surrounding landscape and see famous landmarks. Pass by quint villages like Ennistymon and Kinvara. Be driven past castles and through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Ireland. Besides the stops at the Cliffs of Moher and other fantastic attractions, enjoy the stunning views along the Wild Atlantic Way, including views of the Aran Islands & Galway Bay. Depart Dublin at 6:45 AM and journey west with your back to Dublin while our guide explains a little bit about the city you will be leaving behind for the day on your way out. From Dublin you will be crossing Ireland all the way to it's western edge, it is one of the best ways to see so much of Ireland and it's landscape. To break up the drive, take a 15-minute rest stop at Barack Obama Plaza, which was built near the small village of Moneygall; Obama's maternal ancestral origins are located here. Here we will be able to get some breakfast and even a few snacks for the road! From the plaza we drive through the Cliffs of Moher passing Bunratty Castle and driving underneath Irelands longest river after which we will arrive at the Cliffs of Moher for a view of the Atlantic Ocean, some breath-taking views and a chance explore this edge of the world on your own for around 2 hours. Go to the visitor's center for the interactive Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience with several multimedia exhibits including a bird's-eye view from the cliffs and a video from the underwater caves. You can even check your family history to see if you have any local relatives! Next, discover the lunar landscapes of the Burren with a drive through the national park on our way to Galway. Hear about the many secrets of this atypical landscape, which is home to the warmest ground temperature in Ireland and a collection of flora so rare and unique that people travel from all over the world to study it. Drive along the coastal route of the Wild Atlantic Way from Ballyvaughan to Kinvarra, passing Dunguaire Castle and the Twelve Bens mountain range along the way. Take in the awe-inspiring views of the Wild Atlantic Way and find out from your guide about the Holy Wells and Fairy Forts that dot the land. Arrive in the city of Galway, named Irelands cultural capital being one of if not the most vibrant city in the country. From romance and Claddagh rings to the famous Lynch family along with oysters, music and art. Galway will have something for you and you'll enjoy around 2 hours to explore on your own. Discover its old-world charm on cobblestone streets that evoke an authentic spirit of Ireland from days gone by. We offer a short walking tour to orientate yourself. Optional for those that want to partake. Return to Dublin and get dropped off at 12 Aston Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 TE81 around 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Atlantic Edge & Galway City

Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Atlantic Edge & Galway City

Escape the hustle and bustle of Dublin for a scenic full-day drive through the counties of Kildare, Limerick and Clare, passing the 15th-century Bunratty Castle and world-class golf and surf resort of Lahinch. Your ultimate destination is the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, where you will get 2 hours of free time to explore and premium entrance to the new Atlantic Edge, an interpretive visitor experience that gives you a virtual reality birds’ eye view of cliff edge life above and below sea level. Then, you can choose to walk along the cliff face and experience the power of nature at work. Feel the fresh air blowing off the ocean, and the sheer height of the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Visit O'Brien's Tower, standing proudly on the headland, with panoramic views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Next, drive deep into the Burren, traveling along Europe’s edge! See native flora, ancient monuments, and megalithic tombs in Burren National Park, and look out for the unique Fairy Forts and Celtic Crosses. Continue around Galway Bay to medieval Galway City, passing the Blackhead Lighthouse and fishing village of Kinvara, famed for its Galway Hookers (boats). Upon arrival in Galway, described by W.B. Yeats as “The Venice of the West”. Enjoy a 30-minute guided walk, and learn about the city’s trade connections with Spain. You will have some free time to explore the narrow streets on your own, or relax in boutique stores and quaint cafés. 2 hour stop. Then, sit back on the return drive to Dublin, enjoying the on board entertainment, including extracts from the show “Riverdance” and other examples of Irish culture.

Dublin: The Dublin Pass with Tickets to 40+ Attractions

Dublin: The Dublin Pass with Tickets to 40+ Attractions

Enjoy access to all the top sites attractions and sites including the Guinness Storehouse, Chester Beatty Library, Christchurch Cathedral, and many more with the Dublin All-Inclusive Pass. Explore all there is to do in Dublin at your own pace. With this ticket you can save up to 50%* off top Dublin attractions and activities. Pay nothing at the gate; simply show your QR-coded digital pass on your phone (or print at home and take it with you) and you're in. Your pass includes free entry to over 40 Dublin attractions, including: Top Attractions • Guinness Storehouse (R) • Jameson Distillery Bow St. Tour (R) • Dublin Hop-on Hop-Off Big Bus Tour • EPIC The Irish Immigration Museum • Saint Patrick’s Cathedral • Christ Church Cathedral • Dublinia • Dublin Castle Museums & Heritage • National Wax Museum PLUS • GPO Museum • Little Museum of Dublin • Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) • 14 Henrietta Street • Jeanie Johnston Tallship and Famine Museum • Irish Rock 'n Roll Museum Experience • Malahide Castle • Casino Model Railway Museum • Newbridge House & Farm • Skerries Mills • Airfield Estate • Castletown House and Parklands (R) • Farmleigh House & Estate • Irish National Stud & Garden • National Gallery of Ireland • Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) • National Botanic Gardens • National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology • National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History • Chester Beatty • Casino Model Railway Museum Tours & Experiences • Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour (R) • Walking Food Tours - Food on Foot (R) • Walking Food Tours - Drinks on Foot (R) • Lazy Bike Tours - Half Day Hire (R) • Dublin Zoo • The Murder by Temple Bar • Big Bus Dublin Coastal Tour • Rock Shop at the Hard Rock Hotel • Bus Dublin Coastal Tour • Game of Thrones Studio Tour (R) Attractions marked with an (R) require advanced reservations. *Savings based on sample itineraries on the local partner's website.

Dublin Explorer Pass: Save up to 50% on 3 to 7 Attractions

Dublin Explorer Pass: Save up to 50% on 3 to 7 Attractions

Buy a 3, 4, 5 or 7-attraction Explorer Pass and get entry to your choice of tours and activities in and around Dublin. Choose from over 40 hand-picked options including must-see attractions, top tours and everything in between. Taste the world-famous Irish drink at the Guinness Storehouse, see the sights on a Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour, or visit Dublin's oldest building, the 1,000 year-old Christ Church Cathedral. With Go City, you can enjoy hassle-free entry with one digital pass knowing you've already saved up to 50% compared to buying individual tickets. Your completely digital Explorer Pass is valid for use over 60 days, giving you plenty of time to discover the city at your own pace. Choose from the following attractions: • Big Bus Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour • Guinness Storehouse (R) • Jameson Distillery Bow Street Tour (R) • Saint Patrick's Cathedral • Christ Church Cathedral • Dublin Castle • Dublinia • EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum • Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour • National Wax Museum • Dublin Zoo • The Irish Rock n Roll Museum Experience • Game of Thrones Studio Tour • The Little Museum of Dublin • Walking Food Tours - Food on Foot (R) • And more! Attractions marked with an (R) require advanced reservations. * Savings based on sample itineraries on Go City website.

From Dublin: Kilkenny and Wicklow Mountain Full-Day Tour

From Dublin: Kilkenny and Wicklow Mountain Full-Day Tour

Travel through Kildare to historic Kilkenny on this full-day scenic tour from Dublin. Once the medieval capital of Ireland, Kilkenny boasts Ireland’s finest Norman castle, and have the chance to buy a pint of Kilkenny beer in the city where it is produced. Board the comfortable and climate-controlled bus in Dublin and begin your day trip. Relax on the drive to Kilkenny past sparkling lakes, dense forests and babbling brooks.  Arrive in Kilkenny and enjoy free time to shop for traditional Irish crafts like unique knitwear, pottery and glass. Spend your time strolling through quaint streets or popping into a local pub for a delicious Kilkenny beer. Continue to the monastic city of St. Kevin at Glendalough, best known for the wedding scenes in the blockbuster movie “Braveheart” and famous as the location for the film “PS I Love You.” Head to the megalithic portal tomb of Brownshill Dolmen to uncover how ancient Irish ancestors buried their dead and celebrated their passage into the next world. Return to your meeting point in Dublin at the end of your day trip. 

Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Ennis, & Bunratty Castle Day Tour

Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Ennis, & Bunratty Castle Day Tour

Depart at 7:00 AM from the central Dublin meeting point to start your adventure. Travel through Kildare, Laois, and Limerick before arriving in County Clare. Arrive at the Cliffs of Moher at approximately 10:45 AM and be struck by their enormity. Marvel at cliffs that are 214-meters high at the highest point and run for 8-kilometres along the coast of County Clare. During your nearly 2-hours stop at the Cliffs of Moher, you can choose to visit O’Brien’s Tower and this tour also includes admittance to The Atlantic Edge interpretive centre. Departing the Cliffs of Moher, head to Ennis, Ireland’s friendliest town. Stretch your legs and uncover Ennis' hidden gems on an optional guided walking tour to explore the town's culture, people, and history. Traditional Irish music is an important part of Ireland’s culture and heritage, and Ennis is at the heart of the trad scene in Ireland. It is home to musicians famous both at home and abroad. Feel free to visit one of the local pubs, for wholesome luncheon menus, and you might also catch one of those famous trad sessions. Your next stop takes you to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park for one hour and 45 minutes. The exact military site of Bunratty Castle dates to 900AD. Originally being a Viking fortress and trading post, it was vanquished in 970AD by the legendary military leader Brian Boru, who eventually drove the Vikings out of Ireland. Explore the current castle, the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland construction completed in 1425 AD and hear all about the fascinating history of this gorgeous castle. Your 1-hour and 45-minute stop at Bunratty will also give you an opportunity to explore the Folk Park. This park features thirty buildings in a “living" village and rural setting. Entrance to the castle and the folk park are included. Departing Bunratty, you can now sit back and relax as we begin our journey back to Dublin with wonderful memories to share. Return to Dublin will be at approximately 7:30 PM on D´Olier Street, Dublin 2 (near O´Connell Bridge in the city centre).

From Dublin: Wicklow & Glendalough Tour with Sheepdog Demo

From Dublin: Wicklow & Glendalough Tour with Sheepdog Demo

This day trip to Wicklow blends Irish culture, history and the natural world to give you a variety of wonderful experiences. It starts at the Molly Malone statue in Dublin and travels to some remarkable places. Situated in the "valley of the two lakes", Glendalough is a historic gem surrounded by breathtaking scenery. This monastery was founded in the sixth century by Saint Kevin. Walking through the remains of the ancient town, visitors can discover Ireland's spiritual and historical heritage. You can also enjoy lunch in a nearby restaurant. Hollywood, the former Californian colony that bears his name, combines historical intrigue with picturesque views. A playful tribute to its well-known predecessor, Wicklow's Hollywood sign is well worth seeing. The demonstration of a sheepdog on a typical Irish farm highlights various aspects of farm life, such as raising sheep and growing organic vegetables. The demonstration of a shepherd using his dogs to guide his sheep is the highlight and gives a unique insight into day-to-day activities in Wicklow. The stops on this tour are all designed to offer visitors an immersive view of the natural beauty, rich history and farming lifestyle of the Wicklow area.

Kildare: Irish National Stud & Gardens

Kildare: Irish National Stud & Gardens

Experience one of Ireland's true gems with this ticket to the Irish National Stud and Gardens, just 40 minutes outside Dublin. Discover the historical grounds which is one of the only thoroughbred breeding farms open to the public. Once inside, stroll through the stud farm and its picturesque gardens, and learn of its unique history. Join a free tour and view immaculately bred stallions. Admire protective mares alongside their frolicking foals. Meet retired equine racing stars like Hurricane Fly, Beef, Salmon, and Faugheen on the stud "Living Legends" Team. Enjoy a stroll through two remarkable gardens; The Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra's Garden. Enter an oasis of calm in the Japanese Gardens and travel the "Life of Man" path which traces the passage of a soul from birth to death and beyond. Visit St Fiachra's Garden which is an inherently Irish Garden that symbolises the power of the Irish Landscape. Spot various native species and an array of Irish wildlife. Take part in the award winning interactive Irish Racehorse Experience which takes visitors on a journey from the birth to the retirement of a racehorse. Receive a "horse box" that gives you the opportunity of "owning a racehorse". After learning about foaling, the early years, and the history of the thoroughbred, enter an interactive auction where you can purchase an unbroken yearling. Through a series of beautifully appointed rooms learn about training, racecourses, jockeys, and the anatomy and physiology of these magnificent athletes. Experience the fashion, betting, and animated commentary style as you witness your chosen racehorse on race day. Visitors will even get the chance to ride their horse on a simulated ride to find out how their investments work in a race. Conclude your experience in the Living Legend room which has floor to ceiling large windows overlooking the elite, retired racehorses as they graze in the paddock. Not only will this room explain life after racing but also the diaspora of all the famous horses and people around the world. Beautifully set on 850 acres of lush green rolling hills, the Irish National Stud & Gardens is a must visit for anyone travelling to Ireland and looking to discover a true Irish treasure. The best time to visit the Irish National Stud & Gardens is from February - September, from October onwards the stud starts to wind down and there is limited stock on the grounds.

Ireland: Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey 3-Day Tour

Ireland: Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey 3-Day Tour

Day 1: Depart Dublin for Cork, driving through the lush farm counties of Kildare, Laois, and Tipperary. Make a short stop in the heritage town of Cahir to see the ruined abbey and impressive castle on an island in the River Suir. Continue to Blarney on the outskirts of Cork. Visit the castle and take one of the woodland walks to the mystical Rock Close. Explore the village of Blarney, stopping for lunch.  There may even be time to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. After this, there is a chance to discover Jameson Whiskey Distillery and taste one of Ireland's favourite exports. In the afternoon, tour the beautiful coastline of West Cork, and see some of the magnificent beaches, tiny inlets and coves. End the day in the fishing village of Kinsale, where you will be based for the night. Kinsale is famous for its food, and the evening is free to wander the narrow streets, popping into traditional pubs and restaurants. Day 2: Explore some of the highlights of southeast Ireland, starting with the historic port of Cobh, the main departure point for Irish emigration in the 19th and 20th centuries. It was also from here that the Titanic ocean liner set forth on her ill-fated maiden voyage. Continue east to Waterford, traveling along the “Copper Coast” (a designated UNESCO geo-park for its spectacular beauty). Stop at the popular surfing beach of Tramore, before heading into Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. Founded by the Vikings in the 9th century, it’s also famous for the Waterford Crystal Factory, which you are free to visit along with one of the excellent museums. Alternatively, explore the Viking Triangle on foot. In the late afternoon, depart for the busy city of Kilkenny with its fine castle and park, as well as some lovely riverside walks. Go to the National Craft Centre, or hang out in one of the pubs and enjoy a glass of Guinness! Day 3: Enjoy a free morning to explore Kilkenny before driving to the Wicklow Mountains. Marvel at some of Ireland’s highest granite peaks and see impressive valleys carved by glaciers. One of the area’s highlights is Glendalough, known as the “Valley of the Lakes.” Take one of the walking trails, or explore the ruins of the 6th-century monastery to see its round tower. The last section of your tour takes you into the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, before crossing the famous Sally Gap to descend into Dublin for an approximate 18:30 arrival.

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What people are saying about Kildare

Overall rating

4.5
(1,967 reviews)

Peter (tour guide) was excellent, knowledgeable and very helpful. Eliezer (driver) was a great and safe driver. Thank you to both for an incredible experience. We had 2 hours to explore the cliffs (it was great weather). This was a perfect amount of time for us. We then made a 15 minute stop at the Burren National Park- a very unique experience and finally had 2 hours to explore Galway. Highly recommend this experience.

The Cliffs, and the ride by the Atlantic coast were definitely the highlights of the trip. We also got very nice insights into Irish culture from our guide, Yvonne. The trip was very smooth, everything ran on schedule, and the bus was comfortable. I would only suggest to the tour operator, Wild Rover Tours, to maybe not paint the dogs hears on the bus windows, blocking people's view :)

It was amazing in terms of Rachel’s guided tour. She is perfectly professional and she made everyone seen and supported with her patience and expertise. Saleh’s driving was safe and smooth although it was heavily raining all the time. I will definitely recommend them to my friends. Thank them both heart and soul.

It was a wonderful day all round and everything was superbly organized and planned. Rachel was a great tour guide and kept us entertained all day. Very personable. She gave us lots of good tips and Saleh was a good driver. All in all, a great trip that was well worth it. :)

Liked the guide Peter’s knowledge and ability to connect with everyone. Ezekiel was a great driver too as he was mindful to make proactive quick pauses whenever possible whilst Peter explained about a certain place while on the road.