Getting outdoors for a family walk is one of the simplest ways to spend a good few hours together — fresh air, a change of scenery, and usually a great excuse for hot chocolate afterwards. Kildare has a brilliant mix of walks to choose from, whether you fancy spotting horses on open grassland, wandering through old woodland estates, or following the Grand Canal through quiet villages.
Pack the wellies, the rain gear and the sun cream (sometimes all in the same bag, this being Ireland), and take your pick from these great walks in Kildare to explore with kids.
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Family Walks in Kildare
Irish National Stud
Combine a lovely walk with a great family day out at the Irish National Stud, which has a seasonal opening period — it’s worth checking the website before you travel.
There are extensive walks around the stud where you can see horses in the paddocks and stables. Pick up a fairy trail brochure when you arrive and enjoy spotting fairies along St Fiachra’s Garden lakeside walk. The famous Japanese Gardens are also great fun for kids, with bridges and pathways to explore.
There’s a lovely café on site, or pack a picnic to enjoy at the benches in the car park. Afterwards, head to the kids’ playground to run off any last bit of energy.
The Curragh
The Curragh is an extensive tract of open grassland, perfect for walking, cycling, and kite flying. Watch the horses training on the Curragh racecourse, or explore some of the historical sites nearby, such as Donnelly’s Hollow.
Tip: Wear wellies or old shoes — sheep roam freely here, and where there are sheep, there are droppings!
The Kildare Maze
For a fun-packed walk, try The Kildare Maze Family Activity Park in Prosperous. Grown to mark the millennium, the maze is shaped like St Brigid’s Cross and features 1.5 miles of paths lined with hedges over six feet high.
Other activities on site include crazy golf, a sandpit, and a pets’ corner with donkeys, goats, hens and rabbits. There’s a shop and a large picnic area for anyone who needs a breather. Opening days vary by season and admission charges apply, so check current details before you go.
Donadea Forest
Donadea Forest is a Coillte mixed woodland walk that loops around a lake, with historical features including the remains of a castle and a walled garden. A small café is open year-round, or bring a picnic to enjoy near the lake. There is a car-park charge — check the current rate before you visit.
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Mullaghreelan Wood
Mullaghreelan Wood in Kilkea is a picturesque old woodland estate with an extensive network of forest roads and trails, suitable for both a casual stroll and a longer nature walk. The wood adjoins Kilkea Castle. Some paths are quite steep and not all tracks are gravelled, so sturdy shoes are a good idea.
Moore Abbey
Moore Abbey in Monasterevin is a woodland walk especially known for its bluebells in late April and May. The famous Irish tenor John McCormack once leased Moore Abbey, and there’s a fine view of the building from the wood. Car parking is limited, and there are picnic benches dotted throughout the grounds.
Pollardstown Fen Nature Reserve
Situated about 2km from Newbridge, Pollardstown Fen is the largest remaining spring-fed fen in Ireland and an important site both nationally and internationally. It’s a post-glacial fen that began forming roughly 10,000 years ago, when the area was covered by a large lake.
The fen is made up largely of reedbeds, freshwater pools, patches of scrubland, and a woodland area at the western end of the reserve. Keep an eye out for rare plant species, resident birds, and seasonal migrants.
The Bog of Allen
Ireland’s most famous peatland, the Bog of Allen, is one of Kildare’s top outdoor attractions. Visitors can explore a living raised bog habitat, biodiversity gardens, the Peatland Museum, and a variety of scavenger and nature hunts and other activities.
The Grand Canal
The Grand Canal runs for more than 80 miles from Dublin to the Shannon, with several stretches passing through Kildare. The routes typically take in some of the county’s smaller towns and villages, so it’s easy to pick a stretch that suits your family’s pace.
- Hazelhatch to Sallins (13km)
- Sallins to Robertstown (11km)
- Robertstown to Edenderry (21km)
- Naas Branch: Sallins to Leinster Aqueduct (5.5km)
- Corbally Branch (7.25km)
- The Milltown Feeder (8km)
Castletown House & Parklands
Castletown House & Parklands in Celbridge has lovely walks from the house down to the river. Combine your walk with lunch in the on-site café.
Liffey Walk, Clane
The Liffey Walk is a winding paved path alongside the River Liffey, with plenty of wildlife and birds to spot along the way, including otters, mink, grey herons, kingfishers, finches, and even the occasional buzzard.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best walk in Kildare for young children?
The Irish National Stud is a great choice for younger children, thanks to its gentle paths, fairy trail, and playground at the end. Castletown House & Parklands is another good option, with easy walking from the house down to the river.
Are any of these Kildare walks buggy-friendly?
Several are, including the paths around the Irish National Stud, Castletown House & Parklands, and stretches of the Liffey Walk in Clane and the Grand Canal towpaths. Woodland walks like Mullaghreelan Wood and Donadea Forest have some uneven or ungravelled sections, so check conditions if you’re bringing a buggy.
Do I need to pay to park at these walks?
Some locations, such as Donadea Forest and the Kildare Maze, do have car-park or admission charges, which can change over time — it’s best to check ahead of your visit. Others, like the Curragh and Moore Abbey, have free parking.
What should I bring on a family walk in Kildare?
Comfortable shoes or wellies, rain gear, and sun cream are always a good idea given the Irish weather. A picnic is worth packing too, as several of these spots have picnic benches or open space to spread out a blanket.
More Family Days Out
Looking for more ideas nearby? Check out our guides to playgrounds in Kildare, things to do in Kildare with preschoolers, and the best outdoor places in Kildare for families.
Browse more family walks and outdoor adventures on MyKidsTime, or save this guide for your next free afternoon.
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