Saint Brigid founded her monastery here in the 5th century, and the cathedral and climbable round tower still stand on the site. The town's name, Cill Dara, means the church of the oak.
The cathedral stands on the site of St Brigid's monastery, beside a round tower that visitors can climb in season for views over the town and Curragh.
Ireland's national thoroughbred stud farm south of the town, with guided tours, a museum and the celebrated Japanese Gardens laid out in the early 20th century.
A holy well dedicated to St Brigid in a landscaped setting just south of the town, a place of pilgrimage especially around St Brigid's Day on 1 February.
The wide open plain east of the town, used for horse racing at the Curragh Racecourse, racehorse training and by the Irish military.
Kildare grew around the monastery founded by St Brigid in the 5th century, one of Ireland's most important early Christian sites.
The town's name comes from the Irish Cill Dara, meaning the church of the oak, after the oak tree associated with St Brigid's church.
The Irish National Stud was established by the Irish government in 1946 to support thoroughbred breeding; its Japanese Gardens were created between 1906 and 1910 for Lord Wavertree by the Japanese gardener Tassa Eida and his son Minoru.
The round tower beside the cathedral is one of the few in Ireland that visitors can still climb.
21–23 Sep 2027 · Rathangan, Co. Kildare
Europe's largest outdoor event: three days of ploughing championships, machinery, livestock and trade. In 2027 it moves a week later than usual to avoid clashing with the Ryder Cup.