Kildare Tourist Guide 2023

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Burial ground of Arthur Guinness
The burial ground of Arthur Guinness is
located at Oughterard Graveyard,
Ardclough in a beautiful rural setting
along Arthur's way. The site is an early
Christian monastic site. Saint Bridget
is said to have founded a monastery
here in the 6th century. Before you visit the final resting
place of Arthur Guinness, viewing the exhibition From
Malt to Vault is a must as part of his story. Ardclough
Village Centre is the only interpretive centre of the burial
place of Arthur Guinness. The exhibition explores the 6th
century graveyard and its ruined castle, round tower and
numerous Guinness family member tombs.

Bodenstown Graveyard
Bodenstown Graveyard containing a
ruined medieval church, is best
known as the burial place of the
Irish patriot Wolfe Tone (1763–
1798).
The stone church dates to before
1352 but was ruined by the 19th century; all that remains
are the west gable and north and
south walls.
Wolfe Tone was buried next to his
father at Bodenstown following his
death in 1798 and his tomb was
restored in 1971.

From Castleknock, Leixlip, Maynooth and Kilcock
Call Jenny on
087 937 7588
royalcanalboattrips@gmail.com
www.royalcanalboattrips.ie

Grand Canal Greenway Bike Hire
Based in the inland harbour village of Sallins, you
can bike down to the majestic Cliff at Lyons or up
to Robertstown for a memorable day out with
family or friends.
Range of bikes to rent
including hybrids and
classic bikes.
Rates start at €10
for both adult and
childrens bikes.
www.grandcanalgreenwaybikehire.ie
Tel: 045 255 621

Castletown’s restored
18th century
parklands.
Open 7 days, free to
explore and free
parking available
from Exit 6, M4
Castletown’s tearooms,
operated by Brambles.
Open 7 days from 9:30am
to 4:30pm.
House tours
are available 7
days a week
CASTLETOWN HOUSE
in Celbridge - Ireland’s first and
largest Palladian style house
For opening times and to book
tickets visit www.castletown.ie

Celbridge Abbey
Celbridge Abbey is a historic
building located in Celbridge,
County Kildare, Ireland. Originally
built as a country house in the mid-
18th century, it was later
converted into an abbey and
became home to a community of Augustinian Friars. The
building features stunning Georgian architecture, including
a central hall with a double-height ceiling and a sweeping
staircase. The abbey has a rich history, including visits
from famous figures such as Jonathan Swift and Arthur
Guinness. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and has
been used as a filming location for movies and TV shows.

Celbridge Mill 1850
The first reference to a mill in
Celbridge was a corn and tuck mill in
1217. The building we see today was
constructed in 1805 and was closed
in 1982. Over the years the mill has
been a source of employment and
has changed use from flour, flax,
textiles to a paper mill. Army clothing worn by Napolean’s
army was made here at the beginning of the 19th century.
Brown wrapping paper and postcards were made from peat
from local bogs at the start of the 20th century. The
building was renovated in 1985 to accommodate alternative
use and is now owned by Celbridge Community Council.

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Clonfert Pet Farm
Clonfert Pet Farm started out in 2009 as a
small open farm with 10 different types of
farm animals and an outdoor play area.
Since then, their animal family has
increased to over 60 different types of
wonderful and exotic animals. There is now
a coffee shop, farm shop, walk ways, picnic
areas, additional outdoor play areas, an indoor soft play
area and mini-golf for your enjoyment. The farm has
grown from strength to strength and continues to thrive
as a successful local family business that is committed
to providing an affordable and fun day out for you and
your family.
Clonfert, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 PY05.
Phone: (01) 601 6314. www.clonfertpetfarm.com

The Conolly Folly a.k.a. The Obelisk
The Conolly Folly a.k.a. The Obelisk, is an
obelisk structure located between
Celbridge, Leixlip and Maynooth. It was
built in the mid-18th century by the
Conolly family, then owners of the
Castletown Estate. It was restored in the
mid-20th century by the Irish Georgian Society and is now
a national monument in state care. It was commissioned
by Katherine Conolly, the philanthropic widow of
Speaker William Conolly. It was built at a cost of £400 to
provide employment for the poor of Celbridge when
the famine of 1740 - 41 was at its worst. The obelisk was
built in 1740 after a particularly severe winter. As a folly, it
could be seen from the back of Castletown some 4
kilometres (2.5 miles) away and it is built exactly
perpendicular to the centre of the house.

Donadea Castle and estate
Donadea Castle and Estate was the old
home of the Aylmer family up until
1935 when the last member of the
family, Miss Caroline, died. It is a
National Heritage Area. There are many historical
features including the remains of the castle and walled
gardens, St. Peter’s church, an ice house and boat house.
The Lime tree avenue planted in the 19th century formed
the original entrance to the estate. Another feature of
the park is the 9/11 Memorial, a scaled replica of the twin
towers carved in limestone. The small lake is brimming
with ducks, water-hens and has a beautiful display of
water lilies in the summer. There is a café open weekends
and during school holidays.

Donatello’s Ristorante
Serving Authentic Italian Cuisine.
Open since 1992, Donatello’s
Ristorante was the first restaurant
in Maynooth and for over three
decades it has acted as a community hub for everyone in
the town. Serving pizza, pasta, fish options, vegetarian
and catering for vegans as well as take-away option, why
not try a cocktail on the first floor at the Oak Alley
Cocktail Bar! Located at 8 Main St, Maynooth, in a bigger
and better premises, Donatello’s is still serving the same
traditional taste of Italy and carrying on the traditions
of the Cascella family since 1886. Open Wed/Thurs:
16.00 - 21.30, Fri/Sat: 15.00 - 22.20, Sun: 13.00-21.00.
For bookings phone: 01 610 6558
Email: info@dontatellos.info. www.donatellos.info

Arkle Bar & Shoda Market CafE
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Shoda Market Café focuses on offering fresh and
healthy dining options. At Shoda, they use the finest
local ingredients in all their menu
items along with providing excellent
artisan coffee using their exclusive
Shoda House Blend. Open Daily from
8am-4pm.
Arkle Bar & Restaurant offers the
perfect location and relaxing
atmosphere for diners to enjoy the
finest local Irish cuisine, fine wines, cocktails, and
whiskeys. Enjoy all major sporting events live on their
138” TV screen. Serving food from 5pm-9pm.
Telephone: 01 629 0909 • www.glenroyal.ie/dining

Glenroyal Hotel
The Glenroyal Hotel is a family-owned
4-star property located in the heart of
Kildare in the historical town of
Maynooth. Since 1995, the Glenroyal
Hotel has been one of the best hotels in Kildare, priding
themselves on their customer service. They are located
just a gentle stroll from the town of Maynooth, 20
minutes from Dublin and close to excellent train and bus
services. With 154 rooms classically styled and designed
for a great stay, and a choice of single, double, and
family bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Apart from
their exquisite accommodation, they also boast a superb
conference centre, a state-of-the-art leisure club and
spa along with superb dining experiences.
01 629 0909 www.glenroyal.ie info@glenroyal.ie

Straffan House / K Club
Stratton house
was built in 1832
by Hugh Martin
of the worldfamous
Barton
and Guestier wine
company. The
design of the
house was based
on a magnificent
chateau at Louveciennes not far from Versailles in France.
The K Club, formerly Straffan House, is now a magnificent
golf resort and was the venue for the 2006 Ryder Cup.

Kilcock Art Gallery
Kilcock, Co. Kildare W23E5R5. Est. 1978.
Dealing in fine paintings, sculpture and
prints by all leading names in Irish art.
Situated in Kilcock along the Royal Canal
KILCOCK
ART GALLERY
Greenway, the Gallery is a welcome stop to view beautiful
artworks. It is a welcoming place with a friendly
atmosphere, offering advice and help in building individual
collections and investment portfolios of art.
It is a real treasure trove of both established and new
artistic talent catering for all tastes. Regular exhibitions
held throughout the year.
Opening in May ‘Echos’ an exhibition of original prints by
34 artists. Further information regarding exhibitions and
opening hours call +353 86 257 8283
info@kilcockartgallery.ie www.kilcockartgallery.ie

Kildrought House
This fine house on the main street
near the Guinness statue is the
oldest residence in Celbridge,
dated 1719. It was built by a
Dublin upholsterer and tapestry
maker, Robert Baillie, who brought
Flemish weavers to Dublin. Two of their tapestries,
depicting the Siege of Derry and the Battle of the
Boyne, hang in the Irish House of Lords in College Green,
Dublin, now the Bank of Ireland. Celbridge Guided Tours
can arrange a visit to the house and its garden sloping
down to the River Liffey, by appointment.
Telephone: 087 963 0719.

Killinthomas Woodland
Killinthomas Woodland, Rathangan
Approximately 2km outside
Rathangan Village, this beautiful
Coillte managed woodland is lovely
at any time of the year but it holds
a particular magic as Spring fades
to Summer when the woods are carpeted with bluebells
and wild garlic.
There are a number of short looped walks and trails, each
leading and following on from each other and all
signposted. With picnic tables and benches dotted
throughout it is also a great place for families to visit.

The Leixlip Spa
The Leixlip Spa (also known as Louisa
Bridge Spa) is an archaeological and
hydrogeological complex at Louisa
Bridge, Leixlip, Ireland, situated close to
the Royal Canal, Ireland. It was a popular
health spa in the late 18th and early 19th
century. The site is known to contain a
warm mineralised spring and a cold spring
originating from different sources. The
archaeological structures comprise a
hexagonal spring well and a Romanesque bath. The warm
spring was uncovered in 1794 during the construction of
the Royal Canal.

WHO WE ARE - Lock 13 Brewpub offers locally sourced food matched
with a drink made from the land, a casual & comfortable setting.
WHERE WE ARE - Along the beautiful Grand Canal in Sallins, County
Kildare. 5 minutes off exit 9A on the M7 & only a 25 minute train journey
from Dublin, Heuston.
WHAT WE DO - As Kildare’s 1st Brewpub, we
pride ourselves on offering hand crafted
premium local beer to our patrons which is
Large Beer Garden
sourced from local maltsters. We are passionate Large Group Bookings
about showcasing local as best we can &
150 Seater Restaurant
endeavour to highlight what we have on our
Open 12.30 - 22.00 wed-Sun
doorstep to our customers, both old and new.
info@lock13.ie
www.lock13.ie
045-850-500

Kildare Brewing & lock 13 brew pub
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Established over 25 years ago, Lock 13
Brewpub is located on the banks of the
historic Grand Canal in the picturesque village
of Sallins. The multi-award winning Lock 13 Brewpub has been
a cornerstone of the local community for decades.
Kildare Brewing Company is a small 1,000L micro brewery
based onsite, producing flavoursome and small batch real beer
from local malt & pristine water from a nearby granite lake.
Tours are available and generally take 35-45 mins. €20 per
person, group rates available, or why not try their
Brew/Barge/Dine package for larger groups
(Bargetrip.ie) & then eat in the award winning Lock
13 Brewpub.
Email:info@lock13.ie or visit their website for
bookings/further info: www.kildarebrewing.ie

The Manor Mill Wheel
The Manor Mill Wheel is situated
between the Manor Mill Shopping Centre
and Maynooth Castle. It was built to
commemorate the fact that a real mill
once stood here.There's an interesting
display board beside it giving a run down
on the history of the old mill, the first
recorded listing of the existence of mills
on the site being in 1328 and it was
owned and run from 1830 up until the 1990’s by the
Kavanagh family. The Mill Wheel can be found on a terrace
behind the shopping mall by the stream facing the
picturesque ruin of Maynooth Castle.

The Maynooth Bookshop
Since 1988
Phone: 01 6286 702 | Email: info@maynoothbookshop.com
68 Main Street | Maynooth | Co Kildare
Voted the Best Bookshop in Leinster
at the An Post Irish Book Awards
We stock a wide range of new and classic titles for all ages
If it is in print, chances are we can get it for you
Free delivery available or collection in store
For the same great service from the comfort of your home
www.maynoothbookshop.com

Maynooth Bookshop
A family owned independent bookshop based
in Maynooth, since 1988, this store will be
hard to beat for any bookworm!
In store they stock a wide range of new and classic titles for
all ages and pride themselves on going the extra mile to find
the book you are looking for; if it is in print, chances are they
can get it for you. Aswell as their excellent book choices they
offer a wide range of stationery and cards.
Their online store has a huge selection of books
available with free delivery available or
collection in store.
www.maynoothbookshop.com/
Phone:(01) 628 6702
Email: info@maynoothbookshop.com

Maynooth Castle
Maynooth Castle is a mid to late 12th Century Norman castle
with a history that is both intriguing and exciting. The
stronghold of the Fitzgerald family, the castle has stood on
this site in the centre of Maynooth for over 8 centuries. Today,
Maynooth Castle holds a detailed exhibition on the history of
the Fitzgerald family, one of the most important Anglo-Norman
families in Ireland. Open daily
through the Summer 10.00am -
17.45pm (including public holiday
days). Free admission and Free
Guided Tours. Last guided tour
16.30pm. (45-60mins approx.) Feel
free to visit the castle grounds
also. (35-40 mins approx.)
www.heritageireland.ie/visit/places-to-visit/maynooth-castle

North Kildare Tennis Club
• 5 superb synthetic grass courts located in North
Kildare Sports Club
• Caters for social players right through to
competitive league players
• All standards welcome
• Coaching for both adults and juniors available
• Monday Nights – Beginner and intermediate
players
• Tuesday Nights – Social tennis for all levels
• Wednesday Nights – League Practise for ladies
• Thursday Nights – League Practise for Men
• Friday Nights – Mixed Doubles Match Play
• New members are very welcome!
For more information contact Sandra on 087 9767314
www.northkildaretennis.ie
Eircode W23 NR2F

Early
Bird
from €27
daily
Live Music - Wednesday & Thursday
Sangria, Beer & Cocktails, Tapas, Steaks, Seafood

Picaderos Restaurant
Located at Desmond House, Main
Street, Maynooth, this is a restaurant
devoted to a mix of Spanish and Latin
cuisines with a selection of Spanish,
Portuguese, Argentinian, Brazilian and
Mexican food available; tapas, paellas, fajitas,
burritos and ‘Asado’ Grills.
A place to relax and enjoy food either for a
romantic date or birthday party, lunch, dinner or early
bird accompanied by our world famous selection of wines,
with live music - this is a unique restaurant.
Dishes can be adapted on request to vegetarian or Glutenfree/coeliac
friendly.
Bookings: info@picaderos.ie / +353 (01) 6292687.
Open: Wed/Thurs: 15.00-21.30, Fri/Sat: 13.00-22.30 Sun: 1pm-21.00

St. Patrick’s College
St Patrick’s, Maynooth opened its doors as an educational
institution in 1795 as the National Seminary, becoming a
Pontifical University in 1896. In the intervening two centuries,
it has established for itself an impressive reputation for
scholarship and learning. The Pontifical University and
National Seminary are often referred to as Maynooth College.
Today, as a Pontifical University, the St Patrick's specialises
in the study of theology and
philosophy and related areas,
in one of the most beautiful
campuses in Ireland, and the
support of Ireland's newest
university, Maynooth
University.

The Steam Museum & Lodge
Park Walled Garden
Located at Lodge Park, Straffan this is a terrific,
educational day out for all the family. Consisting of
early Inventor’s models, Scientific Engineering
Models and Historic Works of Mechanical Art as
well as huge nineteenth century Stationary Engines running in steam on
occasion. Come and see the Large Engines on Sundays and Bank
Holidays steam up in the Power Hall between 2 and 4pm.
After your visit at the Steam Museum wander through the adjoining
18th century walled gardens for an enjoyable summers afternoon.
Opening hours: May: Sat/Sunday/Bank Holiday Mon: 1-5 pm. June, July
and August: Friday/Sat/Sun/Bank Holiday Mon: 1-5pm. Steam up
Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. Barista Bike Cafe - Open 7 days:
9.30-4pm serving tea/coffee and light lunches.
Visit: www.steam-museum.com to see the full range of what is on offer!
Ph: +353 83 016 8338

Taghadoe Round Tower
Just a few kilometres from
Celbridge is one of the area’s
oldest monuments, Taghadoe
Round Tower, part of a monastic
settlement dating back to the
6th century. The tower was used
for about 1000 years but had
been abandoned by the 17th Century.
Round Towers, a striking feature of Ireland’s
built heritage, are thought to have been
refuges against Viking marauders, their
elevated entrance enabling the monks to take
shelter with their sacred possessions.
Another theory is that they were bell towers.

Leixlip Castle Boat House
Where the Rye Water meets the River Liffey
in Leixlip stands a Boat House Gazebo at the
water’s edge. Constructed in the mid to late
18th century, it lies in the grounds of Leixlip
Castle. The structure is of two parts: a space
at water level in which a boat would have been
housed. Before the Leixlip hydroelectric dam
was built, the higher water-levels would have flowed into
this main chamber and above this, is a space that was
probably used as a viewing platform and for picnics. The
building is topped by a copper-clad dome and a tall,
hexagonal chimneystack. A good viewpoint is from the
terrace of the Courtyard Hotel.

THE ROOST
The Roost is a large public house which
consists of seven bars, spread over two
floors. It is a cornerstone in the Maynooth
community as it caters to patrons of all ages. It combines
the old and new, with many of the original pieces on view in
the pub.
At the weekend the atmosphere shifts and
becomes a focal point for socialising and the
best live entertainment. The main stage hosts
incredible live bands and DJs on a weekly basis.
A few of the recent acts have included the
likes of Live Forever Oasis Tribute Band,
AbbaEsque, DJ John Gibbons & Shane Codd.
The Roost is open from midday til late, 7 days a week.

THIS & THAT GIFTS
“We are very passionate about
what we sell and hope you
enjoy shopping with us”
Our stunning range of gifts include Crystal, Frames,
Mugs, Candles, Flowers, Handbags, Fragrance’s,
Jewellery, Homeware, Baby, Beauty & Wellbeing and
General Giftware.
Stockist of Big Brands such as Tipperary Crystal,
Killarney Crystal, Galway Crystal, Green Angel, Irish
Botanicals, Knight & Day Jewellery, Jo Browne, Celtic
Candles and Nicholas Moss, Wrendale, Alice Wheeler,
Little Irish Birdie, Red Kitchen and much more.
Check us out at www.thisandthatgifts.ie
Church Street, Kilcock, Co Kildare W23K594
Open Monday to Friday 9-5:30 • Saturday 9-3
WHERE YOU'LL FIND ALL
YOUR GIFTING NEEDS

this and that
This and That Gifts is a family owned and run business that
specialises in gifts that are quirky and heartfelt.
Stockists of beautiful jewellery,
handbags, candles, fragrances,
homeware and much more.
Whether for a treat for yourself or to
find the perfect gift for any occasion,
This and That Gifts is not to be missed.
Put your very own personal touch to
your gifts by personalising them with
any image or message.
This & That Gifts, Church Street, Kilcock, Co. Kildare
W23K594. www.thisandthatgifts.ie

the westgrove hotel
Located in the County Kildare village of
Clane, the Westgrove Hotel is a mere 10
minutes from the M4 and Maynooth and
from the M7 via the new Junction 9A.
Easily accessible to all local attractions,
such as Kildare Village Luxury Shopping, the Irish
National Stud & Japanese Gardens and much more.
Boasting 96 bedrooms, including family rooms and
Apartments, the Westgrove Hotel is the perfect
accommodation option for business travellers, couples
and families alike.
Their O’Connell and Alexandra Suites are the perfect
locations for Weddings, conferences and all special
occasion celebrations. www.westgrovehotel.com

The Wonderful Barn
The Wonderful Barn is on the Celbridge
Road, Leixlip. The barn was built in 1743 on
the Leixlip side of the Castletown Estate. A
central hole through each of the floors
supports the generally accepted theory of
its use as a granary.The barn was built in the
years immediately following the famine of1740 - 41, as
there was a need for new grain stores in case of another
famine. The construction project also likely served as a way
to keep the local poor employed. The tower is seen from
the east windows of Castletown House, so it filled that
vista, possibly as a folly. In this, it is not unlike the Conolly
Folly (an Obelisk), which was built on the estate in 1740-41.

Workhouse burial ground
350 metres from Castletown gates on is an
intact Workhouse building and its burial
ground, a stark reminder of a dark period in
Irish history, the Great Famine. When
workhouse inmates died their bodies were
buried together in unmarked graves. Possibly thousands
were buried there unknown and forgotten, their names
unrecorded.
A cross was later erected in memory of all who died during
those tragic years. In 2007 Celbridge Tidy Towns restored
the graveyard and erected a beautiful memorial sculpture.
The Workhouse building on the Maynooth Road now has a
much brighter role as home to Ireland's leading decorative
paint brand, Colourtrend.