Things to do in Kildare

While staying at the Glenroyal Hotel there are plenty of attractions and things to do in Kildare, why not take the time to explore the beautiful county of Kildare. A county that is steeped in history and seamlessly blends the old and the new, there is something for everyone. 

Go to the Races in Kildare

County Kildare is synonymous with horses and is known as the Thoroughbred County. With three racecourses, Kildare is the perfect location for anyone looking to attend the races and the Glenroyal can provide you with the perfect base for all your excursions. Punchestown located in Naas is the home of Irish Jumps racing and is renowned around the world as the home of the national hunt racing in Ireland. The Punchestown season runs from mid-October to June and provides a great spectacle for all visitors.   

The Curragh racecourse is the home of flat racing in Ireland, tracing back to ancestral times with the word curragh meaning the place of the running horse.The Curragh racecourse is steeped in tradition, homing five classic races known to originate from curragh racecourse. A trip to the curragh racecourse provides a wonderful experience for all who attend. Check out the Shoda Café pop up and enjoy some delicious coffee and treats as you watch the races.

Naas racecourse was formed in 1922 in the heart of thoroughbred county of Kildare with the first meeting at the course held on June 19^th, 1924. The course is left-handed with stages for both flat racing and national hunt racing. While Naas Racecourse is central to the racing calendar every year, it also hosts several events aside from top class horse racing throughout the year such as Family Fun Days or Summer Barbeque Evenings. It’s location acts as the perfect meeting point for jockeys and spectators to venture. With these fantastic racecourses you will be sure to have the perfect day out.

Grab some deals in Kildare Village

Kildare Village is one of 11 luxury shopping destinations in The Bicester collection across Europe and China. Nestled in landscaped grounds, with over 100 boutiques from the world’s most exciting designers such as Louise Kennedy, Armani, Mulberry and many more, it is the perfect destination for some luxury shopping. Restore your energy with famous restaurants offering everything from coffee and a sweet treat to sit down breakfast and lunch. Located just a short 40-minute drive from the Glenroyal, Kildare Village is the perfect place to browse the exclusive brands in the chic and causal open-air environment.

Explore the Royal Canal Greenway

The Royal Canal Greenway is 130km of level towpath, idea for walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages and stages. Starting in Maynooth the Greenway follows the 200-year-old canal through Enfield, Mullingar and ending in Cloondara in Longford. The canal passes through some of Europe's most beautiful countryside and, whether you are on a boat, bicycle or simply on foot, you'll have ample opportunity to enjoy it all. Along the route you will find many cafés, picnic spots, and attractions to fuel your journey. Only a 5-minute walk from the Glenroyal Hotel, you can spend the day enjoying the beauty of the Greenway. Why not hire some bikes and spend the day rolling along taking in the beautiful scenery.

Enjoy a ride at Abbeyfield farm

Situated in 240 acres of scenic Kildare countryside, Abbeyfield offers a range of quality facilities with activities such as clay pigeon shooting, target rifle shooting and archery, along with extensive equestrian amenities and a wide range of trekking trails.  There popular equestrian centre offers daily rides for all riders from the beginner to the professional.  Abbeyfield is also a popular choice for corporate groups looking to take part in team building activities, as thy work to create a memorable experience for you and your team. Experience and friendly staff at Abbeyfield farm provide you with a safe and enjoyable afternoon of fun activities.  Located just a 15-minute drive from the Glenroyal Hotel it is the perfect place to escape the city for some country air and try your hand at a new skill.

Visit the National Stud and Japanese gardens

The Irish National Stud is a horse breeding facility based in Tully, Co. Kildare and the first record of the setting of the stud farm in in 1900 by Colonel William Hall Walker, who quickly turned the farm into one of the best studs in Europe at the time. Since then, the stud farm has been producing Irish thoroughbreds capable of being crowned champions at home and abroad.  The Japanese Gardens at the National Stud are renowned throughout the world and are the finest of their kind in Europe. They were created between 1906-1910 by Japanese master horticulturist Tass Eida and his son Minoru. Their aim was to symbolise the ‘Life of Man’ and create a place to provide comfort to the soul. Eida’s legacy is now admired but over 120,000 visitors who soak up the peace of the gardens each year. Just a 40-minute drive from Maynooth the National Stud is a great place to learn more about the history of horses in Kildare and take in the beauty of the Japanese Gardens.

Play a Round of Golf at Carton House or The K Club Golf Courses

Golfing is a popular activity in and around Maynooth thanks to the great selection of world class golf courses nearby. Carton House is home to 2 championship golf courses, with exquisite views, impeccably maintained fairways and conveniently located down the road from the Glenroyal it offers an exceptional golfing experience. Choose between the O’Meara or Montgomerie courses and play the venue that hosted the 2005,2006 and 2013 Irish Opens along with the 2018 World Amateur Team Championships.

The K Club is home to one of the best golf courses in Ireland and is located a 15-minute drive from the Glenroyal Hotel. The K Club offers two magnificent golf courses of Palmer North and Palmer South which give you the opportunity to play at the home of the 2006 Ryder Cup, 2016 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and 13 European Opens. The K Club is also the backdrop for the 2023 Horizon Irish Open whch will see golfers from all over the world descend on the hotel and surrounding areas. 

 
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