Horsing around in County Kildare
Last month, I hopped to County Kildare in Ireland on a fam trip organised by Aine Mangan and Chloe Simmons from Into Kildare. Known for its stunning horse racing scenes and charming countryside, I was eager to see what this place had in store.
Getting there was a breeze. A quick flight from Southampton to Dublin airport took around an hour and a half. I was met by the wonderful Paul from The Dublin Chauffeur, who whisked me off to my first stop, the Springfield Hotel. A modern 58-bedroom hotel just15km from Dublin, perfect for resting up ahead of a busy weekend. I was given a quick tour of the hotel’s meeting and events facilities by the group director of sales.
Next on the list was the legendary Curragh Racecourse, the heart of Irish flat racing. The incredibly knowledgeable and passionate Paul Keane took me a behind the scenes tour and I got a glimpse of race day life for jockeys, grooms, racehorse trainers and owners.
At Lawlor’s Hotel in Naas, I indulged in a cheeky glass of bubbles with Gisele Mansfield before being shown around. Originally built in 1913, it’s kept its old charm but has been modernised and expanded and has a wonderful array of quirky artworks and artefacts.
My day wrapped up at the neigh-bouring Naas Racecourse (excuse the pun) which hosts a mix of National Hunt and flat race days. My luck was in as The Taste of Kildare food and drink festival was in full swing so I enjoyed a whistle-stop journey through Kildare’s best eateries before tucking into some mouthwatering dishes as part of Into Kildare’s Harvest Dining Experience.
The following day began at the Irish National Stud and Gardens, a family-friendly attraction with stunning gardens, horse racing and tours where I met David Wardell. I took part in The Irish Racehorse Experience, where I dabbled in racing history and even tried my hand in the commentary box. Much to my surprise, I didn’t come last! There was also time to explore the gorgeous Japanese Gardens.
My day wrapped up at the neigh-bouring Naas Racecourse (excuse the pun) which hosts a mix of National Hunt and flat race days. My luck was in as The Taste of Kildare food and drink festival was in full swing so I enjoyed a whistle-stop journey through Kildare’s best eateries before tucking into some mouthwatering dishes as part of Into Kildare’s Harvest Dining Experience.
The following day began at the Irish National Stud and Gardens, a family-friendly attraction with stunning gardens, horse racing and tours where I met David Wardell. I took part in The Irish Racehorse Experience, where I dabbled in racing history and even tried my hand in the commentary box. Much to my surprise, I didn’t come last! There was also time to explore the gorgeous Japanese Gardens.
Leaving the equestrian world behind, my next stop was Newbridge Silverware to meet Ronan Mackey and join a behind the scenes factory tour to find out how they’ve been handcrafting iconic cutlery and jewellery for 90 years. There’s also an incredible Museum of Style Icons housing an astonishing collection of authentic fashion from legends like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. I even had a private viewing of Princess Diana’s so-called ‘Revenge Dress.’
After a delicious afternoon tea, I moved onto the serene Killashee Hotel, where I met my hosts Lisa Kelly, Orla Mccabe, Amy Hayes, and Marleen Mason. I had a bit of downtime, so I roamed the hotel’s expansive gardens and woodland trails. The evening kicked off with a cocktail masterclass – my Passionfruit Margarita was heavy on the tequila, but delicious, nonetheless. Dinner was a sumptuous five-course tasting menu at the Pippin Tree restaurant. I ended the evening listening to a traditional Irish band in the hotel’s very own on-site pub, ‘The Snug.’ I even got the chance to have a go at playing the Bodhrán. This was one of my favourite parts of the trip.
After a delicious afternoon tea, I moved onto the serene Killashee Hotel, where I met my hosts Lisa Kelly, Orla Mccabe, Amy Hayes, and Marleen Mason. I had a bit of downtime, so I roamed the hotel’s expansive gardens and woodland trails. The evening kicked off with a cocktail masterclass – my Passionfruit Margarita was heavy on the tequila, but delicious, nonetheless. Dinner was a sumptuous five-course tasting menu at the Pippin Tree restaurant. I ended the evening listening to a traditional Irish band in the hotel’s very own on-site pub, ‘The Snug.’ I even got the chance to have a go at playing the Bodhrán. This was one of my favourite parts of the trip.
“Two parkland golf courses were designed by legendary golfer, Arnold Palmer, and today it’s one of the most important golf destinations in Europe.”
No visit to County Kildare is complete without checking out the K Club, a luxurious golf resort and hotel, with a proud history of hosting major championships like the Ryder Cup in 2006. Two parkland golf courses were designed by legendary golfer, Arnold Palmer, and today it’s one of the most important golf destinations in Europe. Robyn Cahill showed us around this incredible 550-acre resort, which effortlessly combines luxury, with a friendly, relaxed vibe. With everything from guided boat trips, segway tours, archery, wine and whiskey tasting, to tennis, fishing and horse riding, there’s no chance of getting bored. I savoured a relaxed Sunday lunch at the Palmer Restaurant overlooking the famous Palmer North golf course.
Sadly, my time in Ireland was up and it was just a short 40-minute drive back to Dublin Airport. I’m grateful to everyone who made this trip unforgettable – and for the warm Irish welcome. But special thanks to Aine Mangan and Chloe Simmons from Into Kildare.
Sadly, my time in Ireland was up and it was just a short 40-minute drive back to Dublin Airport. I’m grateful to everyone who made this trip unforgettable – and for the warm Irish welcome. But special thanks to Aine Mangan and Chloe Simmons from Into Kildare.
If you’d like to learn more about the magic of County Kildare, please do get in touch.