South & Mid-Kildare Touring Route
For further information contact, KildareTourist Information Office, Kildare Town, Kildare, Republic of Ireland
Phone: T: +353(0)45521240
About
The route traverses over through the middle and southern half of County Kildare. The visitor will experience many places of interest. Examples include visiting two heritage towns, one of Ireland’s largest visitor attractions and three racecourses and even the home town of 2002’s winner of Big Brother!!! Starting in Naas, the principle town of the county has much to offer the touring visitor. With an abundance of shops, accommodation, restaurants and other facilities the town has plenty to offer the touring visitor. On the Dublin side of the town is the Naas Racecourse. Just off the R410 to Blessington is Punchestown, home of Irish National Hunt Racing. It also is the National Centre for Equestrian & Field Sports and host of an International 3 Day Event venue. From here, head in the direction of the N7, going southbound, until to reach The Curragh Racecourse. The Curragh is the HQ of flat horse racing in Ireland. All five Classic Races including the Budweiser Irish Derby are held in the Curragh. Further on up the N7 is Kildare Town, a designated Heritage Town. The Heritage Centre in the market square helps to interpret the town history. Adjacent to the Heritage Centre is St. Brigid’s Cathedral & Round Tower. It is on this site that St. Brigid is reputed to have founded a monastery in 480AD. In addition the Irish National Stud, Japanese Gardens & St. Fiachra’s Garden is located in the town. This is one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. The National Stud contains a Horse Museum. The gardens are themed to symbolise different aspects of life. Why not stop of in the Visitor Centre here for a break and visit the craft shop.
