Kildare is one of the best counties in Ireland for getting outdoors with the kids. From woodland walks and canal towpaths to open grasslands perfect for kite flying, there’s a huge amount to explore without going far from home. Whether you have an hour to spare or a full day out planned, here are some of the best outdoor places in Kildare for families to enjoy.
Jump to a section:
- Donadea Forest Park
- Curragh Plains
- Castletown House & Parklands
- Mullaghreelan Wood
- Irish National Stud and Gardens
- Monread Park
- Liffey & Barrow
- Lullymore Heritage Park
- Playgrounds in Kildare
Donadea Forest Park
Donadea Forest Park has lovely woodland walks around a lake with ducks, plus a number of historical remains to spot along the way. There are tea rooms on site and plenty of picnic spots dotted throughout the park, making it an easy pick for a family morning or afternoon out.
Curragh Plains
Stretching between Newbridge and Kildare town, the Curragh Plains is a wide open expanse of grassland that’s brilliant for walking, kite flying and picnics. The soft grass also makes it a forgiving spot for learner cyclists to wobble their way to confidence.
If you’re bringing a kite, the Curragh is arguably the best and most popular spot in the county for it. The open grasslands catch a strong breeze on most days, and you’ll often see bigger kites out near the motorway side of the plains.
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Castletown House & Parklands
Castletown House in Celbridge offers lovely walks from the house down to the river, with some good routes for more confident cyclists too. Combine your walk with lunch in the café for a relaxed family day out.
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 fancy stopping for a bite along the way.
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Irish National Stud and Gardens
The Irish National Stud and Gardens is a firm favourite with families in the county. Explore the beautiful Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra’s Garden, follow the magical fairy trail through the woodland area, and let the kids burn off energy at the playground afterwards. The Stud also runs seasonal family events from time to time, so it’s worth checking their website before you visit to see what’s on.
Monread Park
Monread Park in Naas has great paths for walking, scooting and cycling, and pairs nicely with a visit to the playground for a full morning or afternoon out.
Liffey & Barrow
The rivers Liffey and Barrow, along with the Royal and Grand Canals, all run through Kildare, offering great water-based amenities including canoeing, barging and scenic walkways. One of the best-known walks is where the Barrow meets the Grand Canal at Athy — a roughly 2.6km route that starts at the Courthouse.
Lullymore Heritage Park
Lullymore Heritage Park makes for a fun-packed family day out, with no restriction on how long you stay. Activities include outdoor playgrounds, a pet farm, woodland walks, crazy golf and train rides. The park also runs events around school holidays and seasonal times, so it’s a good one to check in on throughout the year.
Playgrounds in Kildare
There are lots of great playgrounds dotted around Kildare, but two family favourites are:
- Kilcullen Town – A modern playground with the usual equipment plus a zip-line and a water/sand play area (a change of clothes or wellies may come in handy for toddlers!). Parking is available on site.
- Maynooth Town – A well-equipped playground with three separate play areas for toddlers, children and older kids/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 outdoor places in Kildare for families?
Some of the best options include Donadea Forest Park, the Curragh Plains, Castletown House & Parklands, Mullaghreelan Wood, the Irish National Stud and Gardens, and Lullymore Heritage Park. Each offers something a little different, from woodland walks to open playgrounds.
Where can I fly a kite in Kildare with kids?
The Curragh Plains, between Newbridge and Kildare town, is one of the best spots for kite flying thanks to its wide open grassland and reliable breeze.
Are there good playgrounds in Kildare?
Yes — Kilcullen Town and Maynooth Town both have excellent playgrounds with equipment suited to different age groups, plus nearby parking.
Is Kildare good for family walks by water?
Yes. The Liffey, Barrow, and the Royal and Grand Canals all run through the county, offering scenic towpath walks such as the Barrow–Grand Canal route at Athy.
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