The county is world famous for its equine industry, but has much more to offer, as you will discover when you visit. If you are coming to Punchestown for our Irish National Hunt Festival in April, or planning an Equestrian holiday based at Punchestown, you will also find yourself surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in Ireland. The ancient Curragh plains between the towns of Newbridge and Kildare are of great importance in the history of the county. It's tradition as a military training ground extends back to ancient times, when it is said that the legendary hero Fionn MacCumhall and the Fianna practiced their fighting skills and raced their horses there. Nearby, the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens is home to some of Ireland's finest thoroughbreds, including the great Vintage Crop.
Visitors can view stallions, mares, foals, and yearlings.
The Horse Museum houses the skeleton of the legendary steeplechaser Arkle, and also presents a history of the stud farm's successes. There are almost seventy miles of Canal towpath in Kildare, perfect for walking. The tranquil canal towpaths complement nature and their waters and banks sustain plant life, fish, birds and mammals in a habitat of attractive diversity. The Kildare Way takes you on a memorable journey along these beautiful and peaceful waterways. Kildare also boasts some of the loveliest historic houses in Ireland, most of which are open to the public.