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."
Barberstown
Castle
Barberstown Castle, located in Straffan, County
Kildare, Ireland, is a historic fortress dating back to 1288 when it
was built by Nicholas Barby. Over 730 years old, the castle
originally served as a defensive stronghold to protect the local
village from attacks, such as the attempted burning by the Vi
Faelain in 1310. Today, it stands as a luxurious historic hotel
blending its medieval tower and battlements with elegant later
additions, offering guests a unique glimpse into Ireland's ancient
past while providing modern comforts amid beautiful gardens and
countryside.
Castletown
House
Castletown House in Celbridge, County Kildare, is Ireland's
first and largest Palladian-style mansion, constructed between 1722
and 1729 for William Conolly, the Speaker of the Irish House of
Commons and one of the wealthiest men in Ireland. Designed as the
centerpiece of a vast estate, the grand residence features exquisite
architecture, including a magnificent staircase completed later, and
was home to influential figures like Lady Louisa Conolly, who
enriched its interiors with artistic touches. Now preserved as a
national heritage site, it represents a pinnacle of 18th-century
Georgian elegance and Irish cultural history.
Kilkea Castle
Kilkea Castle, situated near Castledermot in
County Kildare, traces its origins to 1180 when it was erected by
Hugh de Lacy for the Norman knight Walter de Riddlesford following
the Anglo-Norman invasion. It served as a formidable medieval
stronghold for over 700 years under the powerful Fitzgerald family,
Earls of Kildare, including the legendary "Wizard Earl" Gerald,
whose alchemical pursuits and rumored ghostly return on a white
horse add to its mystical lore. Transformed into a luxurious castle
hotel, it continues to enchant visitors with its ancient towers,
extensive grounds, and rich tapestry of Irish history.
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.
Prehistoric and Ancient Era
Evidence of human activity dates to
the Neolithic period, with Bronze and Iron Age remains including burial
mounds on the Curragh (a large sandy plain), standing stones, stone
circles (e.g., Broadleas), hill forts, crannogs, and toghers
(causeways). The Curragh served as a training ground for the legendary
Fianna warrior band under Fionn mac Cumhaill.
A key site is Dún
Ailinne (Knockaulin), on the southern edge of the Curragh—an important
pre-Christian royal and ceremonial center for the kings of Leinster,
abandoned around 400 CE. Ptolemy’s 2nd-century map may reference Rheban
on the River Barrow.
Early Christian Period and Monastic Golden
Age (5th–11th Centuries)
Christianity arrived by the 5th century.
Churches appeared at power centers like Naas, Moone, and Kilcullen
around 470 CE. Around 480–490 CE, St. Brigid (one of Ireland’s three
patron saints, alongside St. Patrick and St. Columba) founded a
monastery at Kildare on land donated by the King of Leinster, near an
oak grove on the ancient Ridge of Clay (Druim Criaig). It became a major
mixed monastic community (nuns and monks) and a "monastic city" famous
across Europe for learning, hospitality, and a sacred fire (linked to
pre-Christian traditions).
St. Conleth (d. c. 520) served as the
first bishop. The site featured a round tower (still standing) and
produced illuminated manuscripts like the lost Book of Kildare, praised
by Giraldus Cambrensis in the 12th century. Other monastic centers
included Castledermot (founded by St. Diarmuid). Kildare had about 50
local saints and pattern wells.
The Uí Dúnlainge dynasty dominated as
kings of Leinster from the 7th–11th centuries, rotating kingship among
branches (Uí Meiredaig/O’Tooles at Mullaghmast, Uí Faelain/O’Byrnes at
Naas, Uí Dúnchada at Lyons Hill). They promoted St. Brigid’s cult. Their
power waned after Viking raids and battles like Glen Mama (999) and
Clontarf (1014).
Viking Raids (9th–11th Centuries)
Vikings
first raided Kildare monastery in 833 (one of 16 recorded attacks).
Leixlip ("Lax-hlaup," Salmon Leap) became a Norse settlement, the
westernmost outpost of the Viking Kingdom of Dublin. Raids disrupted
monasteries but also introduced trade and urban elements.
Norman
Conquest and Feudal Era (12th–14th Centuries)
The Anglo-Norman
invasion (1169–1171), led by Strongbow (Richard de Clare) after allying
with Diarmait Mac Murchada (King of Leinster), transformed the county.
Gaelic lords lost lands; many retreated to Wicklow mountains or
northwest bogs. Normans divided territories: e.g., Naas/Offaly to
Maurice FitzGerald.
Kildare was defined as a diocese in 1111 (Synod
of Rathbreasail). In 1210, it became one of the original 12 Norman
counties as the "Liberty of Kildare." Feudalism, castles (over 100
built), and new monastic orders (Cistercian at Monasterevin, Augustinian
at Great Connell Priory, Dominican and Franciscan houses) arrived.
Boundaries initially included parts of modern Laois and Offaly.
The
FitzGerald (Geraldine) family rose prominently. John FitzThomas
FitzGerald became the 1st Earl of Kildare in 1316. Maynooth Castle
became a key stronghold.
Fitzgerald Ascendancy and Late Medieval
Power (15th–16th Centuries)
The Earls of Kildare, especially Gearóid
Mór (8th Earl, d. 1513) and his son Gearóid Óg (9th Earl), wielded
near-kingly power as Lords Deputy, making Kildare a de facto capital.
Parliament met frequently in Naas, Castledermot, etc. The family
navigated Yorkist/Lancastrian politics and used artillery early.
The
1534–1537 Silken Thomas Rebellion (Thomas FitzGerald, son of the 9th
Earl) led to the family’s temporary fall: Maynooth Castle was besieged,
lands confiscated, and executions followed. A survivor was later
restored. This marked the Tudor shift toward direct English control.
Tudor, Stuart, and Religious Upheaval (16th–17th Centuries)
Henry
VIII’s Reformation divided loyalties among the Catholic Old English
(mostly Norman-descended) families. Plantations under Elizabeth I and
Cromwell (1649–53) redistributed lands. The Battle of the Boyne (1690)
site lies partly in the county (River Boyne flows through it).
18th Century: Georgian Prosperity and Rebellion
Great houses like
Castletown and Carton were built. Canals (Grand Canal from 1756, Royal
Canal from 1789) boosted transport and trade. The 1798 Rebellion erupted
early in Kildare (attacks on Naas, Prosperous, Clane, Ballymore
Eustace). Leaders included Lord Edward FitzGerald (mortally wounded) and
Theobald Wolfe Tone (family ties to Clane; buried at Bodenstown). French
aid arrived too late.
19th Century: Famine, Recovery, and
Infrastructure
Kildare’s lower population density spared it the worst
of the Great Famine (1845–49), though it suffered. Military barracks
(Curragh, Newbridge, etc.) supported the British presence. Railways and
roads developed. Population: ~99,000 in 1821, dipped post-famine, then
grew.
Boundaries finalized in 1836 (exchanges with Dublin, Meath,
etc.). Horse breeding and racing thrived on the Curragh (home of Irish
Classics).
20th Century to Present: Independence, Growth, and
Modernity
Kildare saw limited but notable activity in the War of
Independence and Civil War. It gained early GAA success (All-Ireland
football wins in 1905, 1919, 1927, 1928). Post-1922, British military
withdrawal affected the economy, but industries like Bord na Móna,
cutlery, and later tech (e.g., Intel in Leixlip) revived it.
Proximity to Dublin drove rapid 1990s–2000s growth (population from
~122,000 in 1991 to over 246,000 by 2022), with commuter towns like
Celbridge, Leixlip, and Maynooth booming. It remains a center for horse
racing/breeding (Curragh, Punchestown, National Stud), agriculture, and
industry.
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.