Best Towns, Restaurant and Kildare Attractions From Maze to Saba

Just an hour from Dublin, County Kildare attractions blend history, countryside charm, and lively local culture into one unforgettable stop. Whether you’re into canals, castles, cozy pubs, or family fun, Kildare’s towns offer something different from scenic walks in Monasterevin to stylish eats in Naas, or a maze adventure near Prosperous.

If you’re planning a trip through Ireland’s heartland, this guide will take you through the top places to visit, eat, and explore in County Kildare, all packed with local color and plenty of surprises.

Monasterevin Co Kildare: Venice of Ireland with Historic Charm

Known as the “Venice of Ireland” for its network of bridges over the Barrow and Grand Canal, Monasterevin offers serene scenery and deep roots. Once home to a 6th-century monastery founded by St. Evin, the town later flourished under the Moore family in the 18th century, who introduced structured streets and trade via the canal.

You can stroll Moore Abbey Woods, visit historic bridges like the Essex Bridge, and see a sculpture of poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, who called Monasterevin “one of the props and struts” of his life. The town also hosts the annual Gerard Manley Hopkins literary festival.

Naas Kildare Attractions: Boutique Shopping Meets Irish Heritage

As the largest town in Kildare, Naas combines a strong commercial buzz with cultural history. The city is home to the Moat Theatre, the ruins of Jigginstown Castle, and one of Ireland’s oldest racecourses, Punchestown, which draws crowds for its spring festival.

Visitors can enjoy boutique shopping along Main Street, relax at stylish cafés, or walk along the Grand Canal Greenway, which runs through Naas and connects to surrounding towns. Naas also features contemporary art spaces, markets, and festivals throughout the year.

Celbridge Kildare Attractions: Castletown House and Riverside Beauty

Celbridge is best known for Castletown House, the first and largest Palladian-style estate in Ireland. Built in the early 18th century for William Conolly, Speaker of the Irish House of Commons, the estate is open to the public. It offers vast parklands, riverside walks, and elegant interiors for guided tours.

Beyond Castletown, Celbridge charms visitors with tree-lined streets, historic pubs, and views of the River Liffey, which flows right through the town. You can walk or cycle the river trail, stop for a coffee in a local bakery, or explore the nearby heritage village of Ardclough.

Clane Co Kildare Attractions: A Cozy Town with Ancient Roots

Tucked between Naas and Maynooth, Clane offers a relaxed rural atmosphere with deep historical significance. It is believed that St. Ailbe founded a monastery here in the 6th century, and the town grew up around that early religious site. The ruins of the 13th-century Franciscan Friary still stand just off Main Street, offering a glimpse into its medieval past.

Today, Clane is known for its picturesque streets, friendly community, and proximity to the Royal Canal Greenway, making it perfect for walking or cycling. The town also hosts local arts events and markets, making it a peaceful but culturally active stop.

The Kildare Maze: Family Fun in the Heart of the Countryside

Outside Prosperous village, the Kildare Maze is one of Ireland’s largest hedge mazes and a top family attraction. The 1.5-acre hedge maze offers a fun challenge for all ages. There’s also a wooden maze, crazy golf, an assault course, and picnic spots, making it a full day out for visitors traveling with kids.

It’s open seasonally (spring to autumn) and makes for a great break from castles and towns. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be turning corners and backtracking through the green a lot!

Robertstown Kildare Attractions: Barge Tours and Canal-Side Charm

Located on the Grand Canal, Robertstown is a village that’s all about water and walking. Originally built to support canal trade in the 18th century, Robertstown today is a hub for barge tours, fishing, and peaceful canal walks. The Robertstown Bridge and old canal stores still stand, giving the village a historic charm.

The village also serves as a key stop along the Barrow Blueway, making it ideal for cyclists or long-distance walkers looking for quiet beauty and waterside pubs.

Hartes Kildare and Cunninghams: Dining Delights in Kildare Town

Kildare Town is home to sacred sites like St. Brigid’s Cathedral and two of the county’s top-rated eateries: Hartes of Kildare and Cunninghams. Hartes Kildare is a modern gastropub known for its award-winning Irish fare and craft beer. It offers locally sourced meat, creative specials, and an inviting setting in the town square.

Just across the road, Cunningham offers a surprising twist of Thai and Asian fusion dishes in a historic building that houses a boutique guesthouse. With fresh ingredients and standout cocktails, it’s a must-visit spot for foodies passing through.

Carbury Kildare: Ruins, Hill Views, and Pure Irish Tranquility

Located northwest of the county, Carbury is a quiet countryside village best known for Carbury Castle, a dramatic ruin perched atop a hill with sweeping views of Kildare’s farmland. Once home to the de Bermingham family and later the Colley family (ancestors of the Duke of Wellington), the site has roots dating back to the 12th century. While not set up for formal tourism, the hill and castle ruins offer a raw and unfiltered experience for history lovers and those seeking solitude.

Ballitore, Kildare Attractions: A Peaceful Quaker Legacy

Founded by Quakers in the 18th century, Ballitore is Ireland’s only planned Quaker village, and it has preserved that peaceful, orderly charm. Its most famous resident, Mary Leadbeater, was a writer and humanitarian whose house and papers are now part of the Ballitore Library and Quaker Museum.

Visitors can walk through the tidy village green, explore the museum’s artifacts, or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere that continues to reflect the values of its founders.

Calverstown County Kildare: Small But Rich in Story and Stone

Nestled between Kilcullen and Athy, Calverstown is a quiet village with ancient roots. The area is surrounded by archaeological sites, including ringforts, standing stones, and early Christian remains, making it a fascinating stop for history buffs. 

The nearby Rath of Mullaghmast is a lesser-known prehistoric earthwork linked to Irish mythology and early tribal gatherings. While no major tourist facilities exist, Calverstown rewards those who enjoy rural landscapes, photography, and a sense of deep Irish time.

Kildare Restaurants and Kildare Town Restaurants: Where to Eat Now

Kildare Town offers a strong mix of classic Irish meals, international flavors, and stylish cafés. Beyond Hartes and Cunninghams, you’ll find local favorites like Silken Thomas, a long-standing pub with hearty portions and live music, and New Kingsland Chinese, perfect for a cozy takeaway night.

Brunch lovers often head to Café K or Firecastle, a food hall and bakery. Whether you’re seated near the cathedral or enjoying a meal after shopping, Kildare restaurants reflect the town’s growing foodie reputation.

Saba Kildare Village: Where Fashion Meets Fine Thai Dining

Inside the popular Kildare Village outlet, you’ll find Saba, a Thai and Vietnamese restaurant that brings vibrant flavors to your shopping break. Known for dishes like pad Thai, green curry, and fresh summer rolls, Saba offers a sophisticated contrast to the outlet’s designer labels.

The setting is stylish yet relaxed, ideal after a day of retail therapy. It’s a top pick for travelers who want something globally inspired while staying rooted in local quality.

Things to Do in Kildare: Castles, Trails, and Thoroughbreds

County Kildare attractions aren’t just a collection of charming towns; it’s a playground of nature, heritage, and culture. Explore St. Brigid’s Cathedral in Kildare Town, walk the Barrow Blueway, or visit the famous Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens, where horses and zen gardens coexist beautifully. From medieval abbeys and racecourses to modern boutiques and craft markets, the list of things to do in Kildare grows with each visit.

The Best Part of Travel Is Yet to Come

County Kildare attractions might charm you with historic towns, quiet canals, and unforgettable meals, but your journey doesn’t have to stop here. From the winding bridges of Monasterevin to the cliff-edge beauty of the Howth Cliff Walk, Ireland is full of stories waiting to be found.

Craving a change of scene? Swap Irish charm for the streets of Little Italy, San Francisco, or cool off beneath the 27 Damajagua Waterfalls in the Dominican Republic. Or maybe it’s time for a virtual escape into something new, Sinpcity is calling. The best part of travel isn’t where you’ve been, it’s where you’re headed next. And that next step might be closer than you think.