A Cottage Holiday In Kildare

Kildare lies towards the east of Ireland almost in the centre of the country and is bordered by 6 other counties – Carlow, Laois, Meath, Offaly, Dublin and Wicklow.  It’s central location away from the pounding Atlantic Ocean and the mountains of the west and north means that this is a rural county of gently rolling farmland, dark peat-lands, misty forests and waterways.  This beautiful and tranquil county isn’t always on the ‘main holiday maker tours’ but for the more independent traveller Kildare is a must.  Quiet and understated Kildare is home to some beautiful places to visit and presents people with a snapshot of times past, like Lodge Park Walled Garden a stunning 18th century walled garden or awe-inspiring Castletown house. This is the largest Palladian country house in Ireland and on your visit you will be able to experience what life was life both upstairs and downstairs. Take a short trip from Castletown to Celbridge Abbey and stroll along it’s many themed walks. Step up a gear and visit Mondello Park which is the International Motor Racing Circuit where you can learn to drive at the performance Driving Centre or visit the museum. To really get to the heart of Kildare take a look at Peatland World you can explore the history of the bogs and peat over the ages and learn of the unique flora and fauna associated with the bog.

When you take your self catering holiday in Kildare you’ll most likely be rubbing shoulders with someone from the horse riding fraternity as Kildare is internationally famous for the breeding and racing of horses. There are over 70 race horse trainers and over 100 stud farms in County Kildare that’s about 1 every 6 square miles!. This really is the centre for horse racing and there’s nearly a race a week at Kildares main race courses – Naas, Punchestown and The Curragh.  A day at the races is great fun whether you’re a serious race follower or a first time punter. Or take some time to find out about equestrian sports behind the scenes at the Kill International Equestrian Centre where you could decide to try your hand at horse riding!

But sport in Kildare isn’t just about horse racing. If you’re after a more active holiday you can take in Kildare’s other main sports – golf and angling.  With 21 courses to choose golfers in Kildare are well catered for from the oldest course in Ireland at Curragh to the 2006 Ryder Cup K Club course at Straffan.  Visitors are welcome but you’ll need to check in advance.  With it’s 4 main rivers – the Barrow, Boyne, Liffey and Rye Kildare is a great place for both coarse and fly fishing. For coarse fishing try the Grand canal which winds its way though Kildare on its way from Dublin to the River Shannon. The River Liffey is great for fly fishing and you’ll find fishing guides who can give you local hints and tips and provide you with gear and flies.

If you’ve tired of seeing others enjoying their sport why not take to the road and explore some of Kildare’s beautiful walks.  The Barrow Way lies alongside River Barrow and you’ll walk on towpaths, tracks and riverside walks which start from the canal hamlet of Lowtown in County Kildare. Kildare Way is a criss-cross network of way marked roads, tracks and low level paths that link Kildare town to Edenderry. The route is well signposted and the more hearty walkers amongst us could tackle it’s 23 miles in a single day. The Donadea Demesne, once a private estate, was opened to the public in 1981 and the Aylmer Loop is a lovely network of forest trails and at one point walks under the Lime Tree Avenue. Like all good walks the loop ends at the ruins of Donadea Castle where there is a café for a rest and refreshing cup of tea.

There’s much, much more to see and do on a Kildare Holiday and part of the fun will de deciding what to do.  There are plenty of pretty places to stay in and around Kildare like Imagine Ireland’s holiday cottages in Kildare. A self catering holiday cottage will make a great base from which to tour County Kildare and visit the rest of Ireland’s central and eastern counties.