Kildare

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Top 10 attractions in Kildare

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Japanese Gardens

Japanese Gardens

2.8
Kildare · 1.7km from downtown
Trinity College Dublin
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Ireland

Trinity College Dublin

6.7
4.4/5
327 reviews
Trinity College Dublin is located in the heart of Dublin. Founded in 1592 by a royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I, it has a history of over 400 years and is often compared to Oxford and Cambridge in the UK. The campus itself is a major attraction: the bell tower at the center of Parliament Square, the red-brick old buildings, and the open lawns create a quiet oasis in the bustling city. Writers such as Wilde, Swift, and Beckett once studied here, and strolling through the grounds feels like walking in the footsteps of literary giants. The signature experiences of the college are the Old Library and the Book of Kells. This illuminated manuscript, created around 800 AD, transcribes the four Gospels in Latin with intricate Celtic patterns and illustrations, drawing many travelers specifically to see it. The visit usually begins with the Book of Kells exhibition before entering the Long Room of the Old Library: a 60-meter-long space where oak bookshelves stretch from the floor to the vaulted ceiling, housing around 200,000 ancient books. Marble busts of philosophers and writers line the wings, and a 15th-century harp, which inspired the harp on Ireland's national emblem, is displayed in the hall. Early Irish manuscripts like the Book of Durrow, also housed here alongside the Book of Kells, are equally worth a closer look. The college attracts a steady stream of travelers year-round, so to appreciate the details of the manuscripts, it's advisable to allow ample time and try to avoid peak crowds.Dublin · 48.2km from Kildare
Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle

6.2
4.4/5
156 reviews
Dublin Castle, built in 1204, is one of the oldest buildings in Dublin City. Its architectural style and scale were called one of the grand castles in Europe at the beginning of its completion. The fortress between the two sides. The luxurious interior of the castle is decorated with rare building materials such as crystal from Waterford and marble from Italy, and has now become a routine venue for the inauguration of Irish presidents. The castle is rectangular in shape, and the four corners are composed of four companion castles. In 1169, the Normans landed in County Wexford, Ireland, and they have been in control of Dublin for a few years. Thirty years later, King John of England authorized the construction of a castle to house his taxes and treasures, and to serve as a British base in Ireland. It was against this historical backdrop that Dublin Castle was built. The fire of Zhurong in 1684 destroyed most of the buildings of the ancient castle, and only one companion castle was completely preserved, so most of the existing old buildings in the castle are the items left after the fire.Dublin · 47.4km from Kildare
Powerscourt Estate
No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Ireland

Powerscourt Estate

6
4.6/5
55 reviews
Bowersig is one of Ireland's most beautiful estates, nestled in the hills of Wicklow. The Boursegger Manor is world-famous for its wide-open landscapes, elaborate sculptures, terraces and pools. Around the pool, exquisite ironwork can be seen everywhere, Italian sculptures and Italian-style ramps are scattered. The manor is divided into the following scenic spots: Italian-style garden, walled garden, dolphin pool, pet cemetery, Japanese-style garden, tower area, Baoersege building and Baoersege waterfall.Municipal District of Bray · 48.3km from Kildare
Carmelite Friary Church

Carmelite Friary Church

2.3
Kildare · 466m from downtown
Cliffs of Moher
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Ireland

Cliffs of Moher

7.4
4.5/5
79 reviews
The Cliffs of Moher are located in Clare on the west coast of Ireland, stretching several km along the Atlantic Ocean as an iconic section of the Wild Atlantic Way. The cliffs, formed by layers of shale and sandstone, plunge dramatically into the sea like a sheer-cut geological textbook, recording hundreds of millions of years of sedimentary history. The southern section near Hag's Head rises over 100 m, while the northern part near O'Brien's Tower reaches over 200 m. This 19th-century round stone tower is a classic vantage point, offering views of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay on clear days. The cliffs served as a filming location for the Horcrux cave scene in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." They also host important seabird colonies, with tens of thousands of puffins, razorbills, and other birds nesting in crevices during spring and summer. Visitors often spot flocks skimming the waves, while rare wild plants grow on the clifftop grasslands. Strong winds and changeable weather are common, so it's advised to stay on official trails and behind safety barriers. For a different perspective, boat tours offer views of the cliffs and wave-carved sea caves from below.Ireland · Clare
Grafton Street
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Ireland

Grafton Street

5.5
4.4/5
33 reviews
Grafton Street is one of the two major commercial streets in the center of Dublin, as famous as Henry Street on the north bank of the River Liffey. It connects to St Stephen's Green in the south and College Green in the north, with brand stores, jewelry shops, and department stores concentrated on both sides, as well as many small fashion boutiques by local designers, making it a premier destination for fashion shopping in Dublin. Busking is an iconic feature here, with musicians, singers, and dancers performing year-round. It is especially popular on sunny days, and lively performances often continue into the night. The historic Bewley's Café preserves several stained glass windows designed by artist Harry Clarke. Ordering a coffee and sitting under the stained glass is a stop many tourists make a special trip for. If you want to taste a classic Irish coffee, there are also many cafes and bars to choose from in this area. When visiting, you might want to enter from the College Green end and stroll south to finish at St Stephen's Green. Trinity College is not far from the north end. On nearby Suffolk Street stands the bronze statue of Molly Malone. This cockle-selling girl from the folk song of the same name is a familiar city symbol to Dubliners.Dublin · 47.7km from Kildare
Wicklow Mountains National Park
No. 13 of Best Things to Do in Ireland

Wicklow Mountains National Park

5
5.0/5
16 reviews
Wicklow Mountains National Park is located in County Wicklow, Ireland. It was established in 1991 and is one of the six national parks of the Irish Heritage Management Department. The park is popular with tourists for its beautiful natural environment. The spectacular mountains here have also been the location for many movies. The park was formed 400 million years ago due to the collision of ancient Europe and the ancient Americas, resulting in the uplift of the earth's crust. It is divided into upper lake and lower lake. The beautiful scenery is called the back garden of Dublin. There are mountains, swamps, lakes, etc., and various animals such as sika deer, hares, crows and so on.Municipal District of Wicklow · 40km from Kildare
Karibu Pet Farm

Karibu Pet Farm

2
Kildare · 3.8km from downtown
Rock of Dunamase

Rock of Dunamase

3.2
County Laois · 24.6km from Kildare

Experiences you can't miss in Kildare

Featured Day tours in Kildare

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Sallins: The Digby Lock Grand Canal Cruise - 2.5 hours
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5.0/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
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From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway City Day Tour
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Duration: 13 hrs
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Kildare: Irish National Stud & Gardens
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4.8/5
· 37 reviews
Duration: 1 day
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37 consecutive positive reviews
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Dublin Explorer Pass: Save up to 50% on 3 to 7 Attractions
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4.6/5
· 14 reviews
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1-day tour of Glendalough + Wicklow Mountains + Kilkenny in Ireland|Includes sheepdog show
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5.0/5
· 5 reviews· 111 booked
Duration: 9 hrs
English
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From€38.89
1-day tour from Dublin: Blarney Castle & Gardens, Rock of Cashel and Cork city including admission ticket
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Dublin: Croke Park Stadium Tour and GAA Museum
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4.9/5
· 115 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
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100 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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From€17.10€18

Featured Outdoor experiences in Kildare

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1-day tour to Glendalough + Wicklow Mountains from Dublin
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Duration: 3.5 hrs
English
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From€42.59
1-day tour from Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Burren scenic area and Galway town
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From€82.96
Half-day or 1-day tour to Glendalough + Wicklow Mountains [Dublin round-trip English guide]
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From€32.68

Featured Cultural experiences in Kildare

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Christ Church Cathedral: Entry Ticket
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EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: Entry Ticket
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4.5/5
· 2 reviews
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Trinity College Dublin + St Patrick's Cathedral + National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street
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Medieval Mile Museum Kilkenny
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Top Dublin: Private guided tour with your mobile
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Duration: 1.3 hrs
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Featured City sightseeing in Kildare

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Dublin City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus
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27 booked
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Big Bus Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
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4.5/5
· 2 reviews· 33 booked
English
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Dublin: Trinity Trails Guided Walking Tour
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4.9/5
· 26 reviews
Duration: 45 mins
English
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Free things to do in Kildare

More ways to travel from Kildare

What travellers say about Kildare

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James Downs-Ford1 November 2023
5.0
Beautiful architecture all around Dublin. The library in the College is open for a fee

Trinity College Dublin

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_TI***pa24 February 2026
4.0
Worth a visit. I did a self guided tour but you can also book a guide to give you information if you wish. You can’t take rucksacks in with you, but there are free lockers available.

Dublin Castle

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真诚757711 March 2021
4.0
Powerscourt Manor is famous for its open and pleasant scenery, well-designed sculptures, terraces and pools. Around the pool, exquisite ironware can be seen everywhere, Italian sculptures and Italian-style ramps are scattered in an orderly manner, and the simple and elegant fan-shaped building in the center of the manor is even more distinctive.

Powerscourt Estate

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瀚海深处19 November 2024
5.0
The Cliffs of Moher are formed by the movement of the earth's crust and the impact of the Atlantic Ocean's raging waves. They are an unparalleled masterpiece of nature. Everyone who comes here will be impressed by its ingenuity. The highest point of the cliff is more than 200 meters above sea level. The cliff faces the vast Atlantic Ocean and is famous for its strangeness and danger. It spans 214 meters across the Atlantic Ocean and is 8 kilometers along the west coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is spacious and vast, with strong winds. It is refreshing to climb up and look far into the distance.

Cliffs of Moher

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孔垂信0016 April 2020
5.0
This street is also a very lively place in the local area, with tourists coming and going, as well as local residents.

Grafton Street

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Hokagesensei8 June 2023
5.0
A very beautiful scene. Ideal for hiking,nature lover and if you plan a surprise proposal for your partner, it's definitely a place to consider.

Wicklow Mountains National Park

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Kildare?

Don't miss these attractions in Kildare: Japanese Gardens, Trinity College Dublin, and Dublin Castle. If you like Day tours, try Dublin to Kildare Village Shopping Outlet Round-Trip Private Charter Day Tour [Door-to-Door Pickup in Dublin, 8 Hours]. If you enjoy Outdoor experiences, try From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway City Day Tour.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Dublin to Kildare Village Shopping Outlet Round-Trip Private Charter Day Tour [Door-to-Door Pickup in Dublin, 8 Hours], Sallins: The Digby Lock Grand Canal Cruise - 2.5 hours, and From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway City Day Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 18 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Kildare is around EUR 17.1 – EUR 444.45. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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