5 Things to See at Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens in Kildare

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Are you planning to visit Ireland? If so, make sure the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens in Kildare is one of your destinations. When you get there, don’t waste precious time wandering about and getting lost; simply follow this list and you will utilize your time perfectly and make your visit very enjoyable and memorable.

So what is Irish National Stud about?  This is the Irish government horse breeding facility in Tully, county Kildare. It is home to some of Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds. Previously, it belonged to Hall Walker who purchased it from the Fay Family in 1900 then later gave it as a gift to the crown. Queen Elizabeth II visited the facility in 2011. You will also find very beautiful gardens to enjoy.

1| St Fiachra’s Garden

This garden was created by award-winning architect ‘Professor Martin Hallinan’ to celebrate the Millennium. It was inspired by Ireland’s monastic movement of the 6th and 7th centuries.

There are so many beautiful spots around the gardens of Irish National Stud; my favorite by far is St Fiachra’s Garden, particularly at the small waterfall. The atmosphere is very peaceful and relaxed; you hear birds singing and water running. The trees that stand along the river banks bring a natural cover from the sun hence making it a perfect place for a picnic.

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2| Horses

Stud Farm: Horses you find at the National Stud are not your ordinary horses. This is where racehorses are born and raised, the source of thoroughbred champions. The Stud has produced race winners over the years for the royal family.

Living Legends: These are rare breeds that have won many races over the years and have turned this place into their retirement home. When you stand there watching these horses eating and playing, you feel honored to stand in the presence of such powerful stallions. Vintage Crop and Beef or Salmon (shown in the picture below) are considered ‘Living Legends’. You will find them in their paddock opposite St. Fiachra’s Garden.

3| Japanese Gardens

When you visit the Japanese gardens make sure you follow the trail after crossing the bridge, as you will find other nice areas. You will find small waterfalls and perfect colored trees, among other things. For those people who like to travel with style and take beautiful pictures in the most breathtaking and natural places, you will love Kildare.

The colors in the gardens blend well with colorful clothes, simply perfect for the style-conscious traveler and everyone looking to take gorgeous pictures. The gardens were created between 1906 and 1910 and laid out by Japanese master horticulturist Tassa Eida and his son Minoru. The gardens symbolize ‘Life of Man’ hence the reason why they named the red bridge in the gardens ‘Bridge of Life’.

4| Lower Lake

Lower Lake is the first thing you see when you enter the National Stud. It is right there in front of you when you stand at the crossroads deciding whether to go to the Japanese Gardens, St Fiachra’s Garden, Horse stables or horse museums. I took the picture above as I passed the lake walking towards the Horse Museum.

5| Horse Museum

The museum is where you will find information regarding the history of the horses and their riders. It’s interesting to see how horse riding equipment has evolved over the years.

Other places to visit in Ireland that are not too far from Kildare include the magical place people call the ‘garden of Ireland’. Wicklow Mountains and Powers Court Estate & Gardens will leave you speechless.

Useful Information

Getting there: Car – if you are coming from Dublin it is 45km away, off M7 and R415. The address is Irish National Stud, Tully, Kildare, Ireland. Trains – Direct Rail Service to Kildare from Dublin, Limerick, Waterford, Westport, and Cork (via Portlaoise). These trains are operated by Irish Rail.

There is a shuttle bus operated by ‘Kildare Village Retail Outlet’ that would meet you at Kildare train station. The shuttle bus will take you to Kildare Town, Kildare Village Outlet Shopping or the Irish National Stud. You may need to confirm times of shuttle bus by calling their Tourist Information Center on +353 (0)45 520501. Click here to see this information on the Outlet’s website.

Bus – Bus Eireann route 126 departs from Dublin Connolly LUAS stop. It will take you all the way to the National Stud; alternatively, you can get off at Kildare town which is 10 minutes walk away.

Opening hours: Monday – Wednesday 10 am to 6 pm (last admission is 5 pm)

Food: The Japanese Gardens Restaurant is Open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm.

Entrance Fee: An adult ticket is sold at €12.50 while a child over 5 years old pays €7. Families, seniors, and students get discounts (these are 2016 prices). Daily guided tours of the Stud are also available; alternatively, you can use the free Self-Guide Leaflet given to you when you arrive. For more Information on Tickets visit their website.

Where to stay: Kildare is just about 45 minutes away from Dublin, where you have many hotels, hostels, B&B, etc. TripAdvisor will give you various options depending on your budget. Kildare Village Shopping Outlet listed a few hotels they recommend to their customers; these might be a little pricey for some people, but it is worth the look.

For more information visit Irish National Stud Website.

Other attractions in Kildare

(i) Kildare Village Shopping Outlet 

If you are a lover of fashion you dare not miss this place.  It is where boutiques showcase the world’s leading fashion and lifestyle brands such as DKNY, Versace, Gucci, and Armani. Most items are sold at discounted prices. It’s Tax Free shopping for tourists.

Getting there: If you are driving from Dublin, you will have to take Exit 13 of M7. Alternatively, you can take a Train. In Dublin, you will find direct trains at Dublin Heuston station. The journey takes 35 minutes to Kildare town. You can also get there by train from Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and Portlaoise.  As stated above, there is a complimentary Kildare Village shuttle bus that would meet you at Kildare train station. You may need to confirm the times of the shuttle bus by calling their Tourist Information Centre on +353 (0)45 520501. Click here to see this information on their website.

(ii) Kildare Town Heritage Centre

(iii) Round Tower & St Brigid’s Cathedral  (Kildare Cathedral)