This magnificent house was formerly the seat of the Dukes of Leinster. It is famous for its magnificent saloon decorated by the “Francini brothers” in 1739. Carton is 14 miles west of Dublin and worth a stop on any tours of Ireland. It originated from the “Manor of...
This gem in County Kildare is recognised as the finest Palladian house in Ireland. Well worth visiting on any tours of Ireland, as it is only 13 miles from Dublin. It was built in 1722 for William Conolly. The architect was the Italian “Allessandro Galilei” There are two styles...
By JohnArmagh - Own work, Public Domain, Link Kildare is a beautiful place and is easy to visit on any tours of Ireland. Nearby is the National Stud and Japanese Gardens which we have detailed before on the blog. With the Curragh not far away, it is a...
As you take a tour of Ireland it would be easy to pass by Kildare. But this is a great stop, particularly if you are interested in horses. There is also a very decent coffee shop! The National Stud is one of Irelands main breeding centres. Some of the...
This town is a real hidden gem for any tours of Ireland. A monastery was founded in the 9th century and two granite crosses from around that time have survived. Another survivor is a 12th century Romanesque doorway (though the modern church behind it is not great...
Naas is the county town of Kildare. Its proximity to “the Curragh” and “Punchstown” (two famous horse racing courses) has made it a centre for horse racing. The seat of the “Kings of Leinster” once stood here on the site of the large North Mote. St Davids Church,...
Ten locks west along the Grand Canal from Dublin. Robertstown is a characteristic 19th century canal side village, with warehouses and cottages flanking the waterfront, freight barges plied the route until about 1960, but pleasure boats have since replaced them. Visitors can take barge cruises from...
The castle was probably built in 1176 by Maurice Fitzgerald, a companion of Strongbow. It remained a Fitzgerald stronghold until 1535, when the rebel Lord Thomas Fitzgerald (known as ‘Silken Thomas’ from the silk fringes worn on the helmets of his retainers) was betrayed to...
If you’re looking for gold at the end of the rainbow, look no further than the Republic of Ireland. Whether you’re race-horse-crazy, golf-mad, or a dedicated gourmand, love wild and wonderful scenery or prefer life in the City, look no further than a vacation on...
A step through a gateway at the southern end of this straggling town takes visitors back 800 years in an instant, into the stillness of a 13th-century Franciscan friary, which was plundered by Robert Bruce in 1317. Later, in 1541, the friary was suppressed, Only...