Kildare Favorites

Favorite thing: Prior to being a State owned Stud Farm, the property in the early part of the 20th century belonged to Colonel William Hall-Walker who had turned to horse breeding as a hobby. Often being described as eccentric, he also decided to establish a Japanese Garden on its ground.

These gardens are quite fascinating. Through its flowers, bushes and trees they tell the individual’s story and learning experience from birth to death. Stages in it include the CAVE OF BIRTH, the TUNNEL OF IGNORANCE, the HILL OF LEARNING, the ENGAGEMENT BRIDGE (Bachelors Beware!), the HILL OF AMBITION, the CHAIR OF OLD AGE and finally the GATEWAY TO ETERNITY.

It’s a fun walk around and highly recommended! Very Zen, y’know?

Favorite thing: Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens, Tully, Kildare.
Ph: +353-45-521617 Fax: +353-45-522964
e-mail: stud@irish-national-stud.ie
web site: www.irish-national-stud.ie

The Irish National Stud belongs to the State and – not being private - hosts very affordable breeding opportunities for horse owners. Visitors get regular guided tours through the stables, learn all about horse breeding – and believe me: more than you probably want to know :-) – and can also visit a race horse museum on the grounds that also exhibits the skeleton of famous Irish Grand National winner Arkle.

Favorite thing: Kildare is the home of the Irish racehorse breeding business. It therefore comes as no surprise that the one absolute Must See in the area is the National Irish Stud that can be located about a mile or so outside Kildare. Just follow the signposts.

It is very well worth a visit and the entrance fee also includes a visit to the Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra’s Garden.

Then go, visit one of the races on the Curragh Race Track and have a flutter. All Irish dailies will have details of the next schedule.