Kildare is one of the best counties in Ireland for getting outdoors with the kids. From woodland walks and wide-open grasslands to landscaped gardens and adventure-packed heritage parks, there’s plenty to explore whatever the weather. Here are some of the best outdoor places in Kildare for families to enjoy nature and a great day out together.
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If you like to plan at least one day out a week, here are some of our favourite outdoor spots in Kildare to visit with the kids.
Best Outdoor Places in Kildare for Families
Donadea Forest Park
Donadea Forest Park has lovely woodland walks with a lake, ducks and plenty of historical remains to discover along the way. There are tea rooms open all year round and lots of picnic spots dotted throughout the park, so it’s an easy one to build a whole day around.
Curragh Plains
Between Newbridge and Kildare town, this wide stretch of open grassland is a favourite for walking, kite flying and picnics. It’s also great for learner cyclists, since the grass softens the falls.
The Curragh is arguably the best spot in Kildare to fly a kite. The open plains mean there’s a good breeze on most days, and close to the motorway you’ll often spot some seriously big kites in the air.
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Castletown House & Parklands
Castletown House in Celbridge has lovely walks from the house down to the river, and you can combine your visit with lunch in the on-site café. There are also some good routes here for more confident cyclists.
Mullaghreelan Wood
Mullaghreelan Wood in Kilkea is a picturesque old woodland estate with a mix of walking trails to suit different ages and abilities. The woods adjoin Kilkea Castle, and there are picnic benches if you want to make a stop of it.
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Irish National Stud and Gardens
Irish National Stud and Gardens is a wonderful place to bring the kids. The beautiful Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra’s Garden are lovely to explore, and children love following the magical fairy trail through the woodland area. There’s also a playground on site to let the kids run off some steam afterwards. It’s worth checking the Stud’s own website before you go, as they often run seasonal family events and activities throughout the year.
Monread Park
Monread Park in Naas has great paths for walking, scooting and cycling. We like to combine a visit here with some time at the playground for a good, easy day out.
Liffey & Barrow
Image: © Fáilte Ireland
The rivers Liffey and Barrow, along with the Royal and Grand Canals, run through Kildare and offer great water-based amenities including canoeing, barging and towpath walks. One of the best-known walks is where the Barrow meets the Grand Canal at Athy — about 2.6km starting from the Courthouse.
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Lullymore Heritage Park
Lullymore Heritage Park makes for a fun-packed family day out, with plenty to fill the hours. Activities at the park include outdoor playgrounds, a pet farm, woodland walks, crazy golf, train rides and more. They also run events around school holidays and other seasonal times, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you visit.
Playgrounds in Kildare
There are lots of great playgrounds across Kildare, but two of our favourites are:
- Kilcullen Town has an excellent modern playground. Along with the usual equipment, there’s a zip-line and a water/sand play area, so a change of clothes or wellies might be handy for toddlers. Parking is available.
- Maynooth Town is another great playground, with three separate play areas for toddlers, children and older kids or teens. There’s free parking nearby, and you can feed the ducks in the park too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free outdoor places to visit in Kildare with kids?
Donadea Forest Park, Curragh Plains, Mullaghreelan Wood and the towpath walks along the Liffey, Barrow and canals are all free to enjoy and great for a family day outdoors.
Where is the best place in Kildare to fly a kite?
The Curragh Plains is the top spot for kite flying in the county. Its wide open grassland catches a reliable breeze, and it’s a popular spot for both first-timers and experienced kite flyers.
Which outdoor spot in Kildare is best for a full day out?
Lullymore Heritage Park and the Irish National Stud and Gardens both offer enough to fill a full day, with playgrounds, trails and family-friendly attractions on site.
Are there playgrounds near these outdoor spots?
Yes — several of these locations, including Monread Park, the Irish National Stud, and Lullymore Heritage Park, have playgrounds on site, and Kilcullen and Maynooth both have excellent standalone playgrounds worth a visit.
Related Articles
- The Best Picnic Places in Kildare for Families
- Great Family Walks in Kildare
- Free Things to Do with Kids in Kildare
- Your Kids Will Love These Playgrounds in Kildare
Have your say! Do you have a favourite outdoor spot in Kildare to visit with the kids? Tell us in the comments below.
Looking for more ideas like this? Browse our full collection of things to do with kids, or save this article to come back to next time you’re planning a day out in Kildare.
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