Page 147 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 13: The Plains of Kildare 145

6 Irish National Stud 7 The Curragh Racecourse
Co Kildare Co Kildare
Established in 1946 to develop Irish Set in a great plain, where sheep
bloodstock, this is the home of some graze freely and horses from the
of the finest thoroughbred horses in surrounding stud farms are exercised,
the country (open Feb–Dec: daily). The The Curragh (open race days only) is
guided tour includes a visit to the where all five Irish Classics are raced
stableyard to see mares and foals, as – the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas in
well as some retired champions. The May, the Irish Derby in June/July, the
Horse Museum tells the history of Irish Oaks in July and the St Leger in
horses, shows films of some classic September. A place to see Irish racing
races and exhibits include the skeleton at its best, in a terrific atmosphere.
of the great Arkle. ª Leaving the racecourse, turn right
onto R413. At the first roundabout take
the second exit, signposted Newbridge.
Follow signs for Kilcullen through two
roundabouts, crossing the M9
motorway, to the village of Kilcullen. Above Statue of Irish thoroughbred legend
Vintage Crop at the Currah Racecourse
Horse Sense
The Curragh is the home of Ireland’s
best flat racing, while Punchestown,
near Naas, is where the National
Hunt Festival takes place over the EAT AND DRINK
jumps. Ireland is famous for its
thoroughbred racehorses, and the KILDARE TOWN
bloodstock industry flourished for Silken Thomas
many years thanks to tax inexpensive–moderate
exemption on stallion profits. A refurbished traditional pub in the
centre of town, a popular place with a
bright and busy restaurant or an
Above St Fiachra’s Garden at the Irish National 8 Kilcullen inexpensive carvery at the bar.
Stud, a peaceful place of rock and water Co Kildare Kildare Town; 045 522 232;
www.silkenthomas.com
This is a winding village on the river
In the grounds of the National Stud Liffey in the midst of horse country, L’Officina moderate
This Italian restaurant is in the Kildare
are two superb gardens. St Fiachra’s with good restaurants and bars and Village shopping outlet, not far from
Garden (open daily), established in a pleasant riverside walk. There are Kildare Town. Inventive, authentic
1999 and named after the patron many antiquities nearby, including cooking, and lovely views.
saint of gardeners, is a spiritual place an early monastery at Old Kilcullen, Kildare Village shopping outlet, Kildare
reflecting the Irish landscape. The where St Patrick founded a bishopric. Town; 045 535 850
beautiful Japanese Gardens (open Feb– The base of a round tower and KILCULLEN
Dec: daily), laid out 1906–10, symbolize portions of three carved stone Fallons Bar and Café moderate
the Life of Man, and are regarded as crosses survive. The hill to the The owners of this long-established
the finest such gardens in Europe. northwest, Knockaulin, is topped by eating house bring a lively atmosphere
ª Turn right out of the National Stud, an important prehistoric circular hill and excellent food. Try seafood chowder,
special burgers or tapas, or just enjoy a
then right again and continue through fort, Dún Áilinne. It is on private land, pint of Guinness by the turf fire.
Kildare Town. Turn right onto R413 to so enquire about visits at the Kildare Main St; 045 481 260; www.fallonb.ie;
the Curragh Racecourse. Ample parking. Town Heritage Centre. closed Mon
DAY TRIP OPTIONS Take the R403 from Celbridge towards Follow the route from Robertstown;
Places of interest are all within easy Clane, then the R407 north and follow turn right to the Hill after Barnacrow.
reach of Celbridge, Robertstown and signs to Donadea Forest Park. Return
Kildare Town. along the same route. A day at the races
Walk around Kildare Town 5 and visit
History and nature Walking trails the National Stud 6 and The Curragh
Pass the morning exploring lovely Combine a stroll – or a boat trip – Racecourse 7 for a day of equine
Castletown House at Celbridge 1, along the Grand Canal at action (see www.curragh.ie for the dates
then continue to Donadea 3 for a Robertstown 4 with a walk up the of race meetings).
meander through the tranquil Hill of Allen, for marvellous views. Follow the drive’s instructions.
woodlands of Donadea Forest Park. End the day with a music session.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–€50; expensive, over €50

142-145_Back_Roads_Ireland.indd 145 11/09/17 12:30 pm