County Kildare, located in the mid-east of Ireland, is a region steeped in history, natural beauty, and cultural significance. Known as the "Short Grass County" due to its lush, fertile plains, Kildare is part of the province of Leinster and lies within Ireland’s Eastern and Midland Region. It’s a land of rolling landscapes, ancient heritage, and modern vibrancy, often associated with its equine industry, earning it the nickname "The Thoroughbred County."
Location and Size: Kildare is bordered by Dublin to the east, Meath
and Offaly to the north, Laois and Carlow to the south, and Wicklow to
the southeast. Covering approximately 1,695 square kilometers, it’s one
of Ireland’s smaller counties but strategically located near the
capital, making it a key commuter hub.
Topography: The county is
predominantly flat or gently rolling, with fertile plains ideal for
agriculture and horse breeding. The Bog of Allen, a vast peatland,
dominates parts of the northwest, while the Curragh Plains, a
2,000-hectare expanse of open grassland, is a defining feature used for
military training, horse racing, and grazing. The Slieve Thoul and Red
Hills in the northeast provide modest elevation, and the Chair of
Kildare (a small hill) is a historical landmark.
Rivers and Canals:
The River Liffey, one of Ireland’s major rivers, flows through the
northeast, passing towns like Naas and Newbridge. The River Barrow forms
part of the southern boundary, and the Royal Canal and Grand Canal
traverse the county, historically vital for trade and now popular for
leisure.
Climate: Kildare enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, with
mild winters (average 4–8°C) and cool summers (14–20°C). Its inland
position shields it from coastal storms, though rainfall is frequent,
supporting its lush greenery.
Kildare’s history spans millennia, from prehistoric settlements to
its pivotal role in Ireland’s early Christian era and modern times.
Prehistoric and Early History: Archaeological evidence, including
burial mounds and ringforts, points to human activity in Kildare from
the Neolithic period (c. 4000 BCE). The Curragh has been a communal
gathering place for centuries, possibly used for ancient assemblies.
Early Christian Era: Kildare’s name derives from the Irish Cill Dara
("Church of the Oak"), linked to St. Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron
saints. She founded a monastery in Kildare town around 470 CE, which
became a major center of learning and spirituality. The site, now home
to St. Brigid’s Cathedral, remains a pilgrimage destination.
Medieval
Period: The Normans arrived in the 12th century, building castles like
those at Maynooth and Naas. Kildare was a frontier of the Pale, the
English-controlled area around Dublin. The powerful Fitzgerald family,
Earls of Kildare, dominated the region, with their seat at Maynooth
Castle.
Rebellion and Conflict: Kildare was a hotbed of resistance
during the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion, with battles in Naas and
Prosperous. The county also saw action during the Irish War of
Independence (1919–1921).
Modern History: The 19th and 20th centuries
saw Kildare transform into an agricultural and equine hub. The
establishment of Curragh Camp as a British military base (later taken
over by the Irish Army) and the growth of horse racing shaped its modern
identity.
Kildare’s culture blends ancient traditions with a modern,
cosmopolitan vibe, influenced by its proximity to Dublin.
Equine
Heritage: Kildare is Ireland’s horse racing capital, home to the Curragh
Racecourse, which hosts major events like the Irish Derby. The county
has numerous stud farms, including the Irish National Stud in Tully, and
is a global leader in thoroughbred breeding. The annual Punchestown
Festival draws international crowds.
Festivals and Events: Kildare
hosts vibrant festivals, such as the Kildare Derby Festival (celebrating
racing and community), BargeFest (canal-based music and arts), and St.
Brigid’s Day celebrations (February 1), which honor the county’s
patroness with pilgrimages and cultural events.
Gaelic Games: Hurling
and Gaelic football are popular, with Kildare’s teams competing in the
All-Ireland championships. Croke Park, though in Dublin, is a short trip
for fans.
Music and Arts: Traditional Irish music thrives in pubs
across towns like Naas and Athy. Kildare also has a growing arts scene,
with venues like Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge hosting theater,
music, and exhibitions.
Kildare’s economy is diverse, balancing agriculture, industry, and
services.
Agriculture and Equine Industry: The county’s fertile
soil supports dairy, beef, and arable farming. The equine sector is a
major economic driver, with stud farms, training facilities, and
racecourses generating significant revenue and employment.
Industry
and Technology: Proximity to Dublin has attracted multinational
corporations. Intel has a major manufacturing facility in Leixlip, and
Hewlett-Packard has operations in the county. The M7 motorway and rail
links make Kildare a logistics hub.
Retail and Tourism: Shopping
centers like Kildare Village, a luxury outlet destination, draw visitors
from Ireland and abroad. Tourism is bolstered by heritage sites,
gardens, and outdoor activities.
Commuter Economy: Many residents
work in Dublin, with towns like Celbridge and Maynooth serving as
commuter hubs due to excellent transport links.
Kildare’s towns each have distinct characters:
Naas: The county
town and administrative center, known for its historic courthouse and
lively dining scene.
Newbridge: A commercial hub with the Riverbank
Arts Centre and Whitewater Shopping Centre.
Maynooth: Home to
Maynooth University, a leading academic institution, and the historic
Carton House, now a luxury hotel and golf resort.
Kildare Town: A
heritage town with St. Brigid’s Cathedral, the Irish National Stud, and
Kildare Village.
Athy: A market town on the River Barrow, with a rich
history and the Shackleton Museum, honoring explorer Ernest Shackleton,
born nearby.
Celbridge: Known for Castletown House, Ireland’s finest
Palladian mansion, and its association with Jonathan Swift.
Clane and
Leixlip: Growing commuter towns with historic sites like Leixlip Castle.
Kildare offers a mix of natural, historical, and cultural
attractions:
Irish National Stud and Gardens: A world-renowned stud
farm with beautiful Japanese Gardens and St. Fiachra’s Garden.
Curragh Racecourse: Ireland’s premier racing venue, set against the
expansive Curragh Plains.
St. Brigid’s Cathedral and Round Tower: A
13th-century cathedral with a 10th-century round tower, one of Ireland’s
tallest.
Castletown House: A grand 18th-century estate with parklands
and guided tours.
Lullymore Heritage Park: A family-friendly site
exploring Kildare’s boglands, history, and biodiversity.
Mondello
Park: Ireland’s only international motorsport circuit, hosting races and
driving experiences.
Donadea Forest Park: A 243-hectare park with
walking trails, a castle ruin, and a 9/11 memorial.
Burtown House and
Gardens: A historic estate with stunning gardens and an art gallery.
Grand Canal and Royal Canal: Scenic waterways for walking, cycling, or
boating.
Kildare’s natural beauty is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts:
Bog of
Allen: A protected peatland with unique flora and fauna, accessible via
the Bog of Allen Nature Centre.
Pollardstown Fen: A rare alkaline
fen, home to diverse plant and bird species.
Royal Canal Greenway: A
130km trail (partly in Kildare) for cycling and walking.
Wildlife:
The county supports species like red kites, otters, and rare orchids,
with conservation efforts in its wetlands and woodlands.
Maynooth University: A globally recognized institution, part of the
National University of Ireland, with strengths in humanities, sciences,
and social studies.
St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth: A historic
seminary now integrated with the university, known for its theological
heritage.
Primary and Secondary Schools: Kildare has a strong network
of schools, with many new facilities built to accommodate population
growth.
Roads: The M7 and M4 motorways connect Kildare to Dublin, Limerick,
and Galway. The N7 and N4 are also major routes.
Rail: Irish Rail
serves stations like Newbridge, Kildare, and Sallins-Naas, with frequent
trains to Dublin (20–30 minutes from Maynooth or Leixlip).
Buses: Bus
Éireann and private operators provide regional and Dublin commuter
services.
Cycling and Walking: The canal greenways and rural roads
are cyclist-friendly, with initiatives to expand bike infrastructure.
Urbanization: Rapid population growth, especially in commuter towns,
strains housing and infrastructure. Kildare’s population was
approximately 222,000 in 2016 and continues to rise.
Environmental
Concerns: Balancing development with conservation, particularly in the
Bog of Allen and Pollardstown Fen, is a priority.
Economic
Diversification: While the equine and tech sectors thrive, Kildare aims
to broaden its economic base to reduce reliance on Dublin.
Kildare is home to Guinness’s first brewery outside Dublin,
established in Athy in the 18th century.
The county inspired the name
of Kildare, Ontario, Canada, settled by Irish emigrants.
Ernest
Shackleton, the Antarctic explorer, was born in Kilkea, near Athy, in
1874.
Kildare’s Silken Thomas, a 16th-century rebel, led a failed
uprising against English rule, leaving a legacy of folklore.