Kildare has lots of lovely places to head to enjoy the outdoors and nature. Here are some of the best outdoor places in Kildare to get out with kids and enjoy the fine scenery in the county.

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We like to plan at least one day out a week, so here are some of our favourite places in Kildare to go with the kids.

Best Outdoor Places in Kildare for Families

Donadea Forest Park

Donadea Forest Park has some lovely woodland Walks with lake and ducks, and many historical remains. There are tea rooms open all year round and plenty of picnic spots throughout park.

Curragh Plains

Between Newbridge and Kildare town, this extensive tract of grasslands is popular for walking, kite flying and picnics. It’s also good for learner cyclists as grass softens the falls!

Arguably, the best, and most popular place to fly a kite in Kildare is The Curragh. The wide open grasslands ensures a strong breeze on the best of days! Close to the motorway you will see lots of bigger kites being flown.

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Castletown House & Parklands

Castletown House in Celbridge has lovely walks from the house down to the river. You can combine a walk with lunch in the lovely cafe. There are some good routes for more able cyclists.

Mullaghreelan Wood

Mullaghreelan Wood, Kilkea is a picturesque old woodland estate with mixed walking trails. The woods adjoin Kilkea Castle and there are picnic benches.

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Irish National Stud and Gardens

Irish National Stud and Gardens is a lovely place to bring your kids, they have beautiful Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra’s Garden to explore. Follow the magical ‘fairy trail’ in the woodland area, and afterwards let the kids run off some steam at their fabulous playground. And check out their summer fun events which include free pony rides on select days.

Monread Park

Monread Park in Naas has great paths for walking, scooting, cycling. We like to combine a trip to the playground in the park for a good day out.

Liffey & Barrow

Image: © Fáilte Ireland

The rivers Liffey and Barrow and the Royal and Grand Canals all run through Kildare. They provide great water amenities including canoeing, barging, and walkways. The best known walk is where Barrow meets Grand Canal at Athy – about 2.6km of walk that starts at the Courthouse.

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Lullymore Heritage Park

You will enjoy spending a fun-packed day at Lullymore Heritage Park, with no restrictions on length of stay. Activities at the Park include outdoor playgrounds, pet farm, woodlands walks, crazy golf, train rides and more. They also run lots of events around school holidays and seasonal times.

Playgrounds in Kildare

There are lots of great playgrounds in Kildare, but two of my favourites are:

• Kilcullen Town is an excellent modern playground in Kilcullen. Along with the usual equipment it has a zip-line and a water/sand play-area. (Change of clothes/wellies may be required for toddlers!). Parking is available.
• Maynooth Town is another excellent playground, with 3 play areas for toddlers, children and older children/teens. Free parking nearby, and can also feed ducks in park.

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Have your say! Do you have any favourite outdoor places in Kildare to go with the kids?  Tell us in the comments below.