Armchair Traveler
Kildare (Ireland)
County Kildare is known as “thoroughbred county” because of its long tradition of horse-breeding.
Take a tour of the Irish National Stud & Gardens to learn how the county became one of Europe’s best places to breed racehorses. The farm here has bred winners of all five of Britain’s “Classic” horse races. Its most famous horse, Sun Chariot, won three of those races ― the Triple Crown ― in 1942. Let the kids loose in the playground while you take a stroll through the Japanese Gardens.
Now you’ve got a taste for horse racing, try a bet at The Curragh Racecourse, where there’s always something exciting going on.
Still, there’s more than horses to this sleepy area of eastern Ireland. County Kildare borders Dublin, so it’s perfect for a day trip. On the way, stop at Castletown House Estate, a large country house built in the 18th century. It boasts a tree-lined walking trail and lovely gardens, which are free to enjoy. Take a tour inside the house to see how the landed gentry lived.
The estate is also famous for its two “follies” ― buildings that look impressive on the outside but have nothing on the inside. The Wonderful Barn is a building shaped like a corkscrew ― why? No one knows. And then there’s the Obelisk, which is what it sounds like, no more and no less.
Visit Lyons village nearby, which features the 17th-century Celbridge Abbey. You could lose hours wandering its beautiful grounds.
Finally, Kildare is known for its fairy trees and fairy well ― they’re said to be good luck, so keep your eyes peeled for them! (fairy tree 妖精の木）
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