Overview
The round tower beside St Brigid’s Cathedral is 33 metres tall, the second highest in Ireland and the tallest one you can actually climb – which makes it the single reason to time a visit here for May to September, when the cathedral and tower are open. Everything else in Kildare Town works around that: a compact centre of about 10,300 people, medieval stonework a few doors from independent shops and pubs, and the Curragh plains and Irish National Stud on the doorstep. Naas is the county’s administrative capital, but Kildare Town is where its early history sits, 50km southwest of Dublin off the M7.
History & Legend
The town’s origins trace back to the 5th century, when Saint Brigid established the original Church of the Oak (Cill Dara) beneath a sacred tree on the edge of the Curragh. Local tradition holds that the King of Leinster offered Brigid as much land as her cloak could cover; when she threw it to the ground, it miraculously expanded to encompass the entire plain. This act secured the site for one of Ireland’s three most important early Christian foundations, drawing pilgrims, scholars, and artisans for centuries.
By the 13th century, the Carmelite Friars had arrived under Lord William de Vesci, building the White Abbey, which was later suppressed during the Reformation in 1539. The current Carmelite Church, reconstructed in 1884 to a Pugin-inspired Gothic Revival design by architect William Hague, still dominates the skyline with its 40-metre spire and detailed stonework. Kildare also holds a distinctive place in early motorsport history: the 1903 Gordon Bennett Cup race was run through the town, and the British team’s green livery later evolved into the globally recognised British racing green.
What to See & Do
St Brigid’s Cathedral & Round Tower
The cathedral complex forms the historic core of the town. Rebuilt in 1833, the church houses Early Christian and Norman stone fragments, a 16th-century vault, and stained-glass windows that depict Saint Brigid. Beside it stands the round tower, rising 33 metres above the graveyard – the second tallest in Ireland and the tallest that opens to the public. Its doorway sits four metres above the ground, a defensive feature common to early monastic sites, framed by weathered decorative granite. Climb the internal ladders to the top for a flat, wide view over the Curragh.
Both cathedral and tower open only from 1 May to 30 September, and only during the day, so this is not a winter visit. The church also closes for lunch between 1pm and 2pm – worth knowing if you are working to a tight schedule.
Check current times and tower access on the official site: St Brigid’s Cathedral
Kildare Town Heritage Centre
Located in the restored Market House, the Heritage Centre operates as both the local tourist office and a cultural hub. The standout attraction is the Legends of Kildare VR Experience, a multilingual immersive programme that walks visitors through medieval daily life, Fianna warrior traditions, and the town’s association with the peregrine falcon. The experience runs year-round and works well for families, school groups, and visitors who prefer interactive history over traditional displays.
Heritage Centre website: https://www.kildareheritage.com/
Shopping & Dining
The town centre offers a mix of high-street retailers and independent stores, while the nearby Kildare Village Outlet draws visitors for discounted designer fashion. For meals and evening entertainment, the pub scene remains active: Boyle’s Bar, James Nolan’s, and the Silken Thomas bistro serve traditional Irish food and host live music sessions throughout the week. Visitors seeking international cuisine can choose from Indian, Chinese, and Italian restaurants including Sitaaray, Victoria House, and L’Officina.
Day Trips & Nearby Attractions
Kildare Town’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider region:
- Irish National Stud – Guided tours of the breeding facilities, the Japanese Gardens, and the Irish Racehorse Experience.
- Dún Ailinne – The ancient royal hillfort of Leinster, featuring archaeological excavations and panoramic views.
- Hill of Allen – A mythic summit with a historic tower and walking trails across the Curragh.
- Curragh Military Museum – Exhibits covering Ireland’s military history from the Napoleonic era to modern peacekeeping missions.
- Pollardstown Fen – A protected alkaline marsh with elevated boardwalks and rich birdlife.
- Castletown House – Palladian architecture and extensive landscaped grounds just north of town.
- Leixlip and Celbridge – Nearby riverside towns with literary connections and Georgian heritage.
Practical Information
Getting There
- By Train: Kildare station sits on the Dublin–Cork mainline. Commuter services from Dublin Heuston take approximately 50 minutes, while Intercity trains run non-stop in around 30 minutes. Fares start at €11.
- By Bus: Dublin Coach (routes 300/726) and Go Ahead Ireland (routes 126/126e) connect the town to Dublin Airport, Red Cow, and the city centre. A dedicated shuttle links the station to Kildare Village and, on race days, to the Curragh.
- By Car: The M7 (junction 13) and R445 provide direct access from Dublin. Town-centre and outlet car parks are clearly signposted.
Opening Hours & Admission
| Attraction | Opening Hours | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| St Brigid’s Cathedral & Round Tower | 1 May–30 Sep; 10:00–17:00, closed 1–2pm | Free (donations welcome) |
| Kildare Town Heritage Centre (VR) | Year-round; check current times | Check current prices |
| Kildare Village Outlet | Check the official website | Free entry |
Groups of ten or more can arrange cathedral visits outside the main season by prior arrangement. Seasonal attractions like the Irish National Stud run their own timetables, so check individual websites before travelling.
Parking
Pay parking in the town centre is enforced Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00; there is no enforcement on Saturdays. Kildare Village, by contrast, offers free parking, and a complimentary shuttle bus runs from the Kildare Town train station to the outlet – handy if you want to leave the car and skip the town-centre meters altogether. Temporary race-day parking opens near the Curragh during major fixtures.
Most public streets and the outdoor market area welcome dogs, though pets are not permitted inside the cathedral or round tower.
Note that the round tower is climbed by internal ladders and is not step-free. The Heritage Centre offers level access, all bus services are wheelchair-friendly, and the railway station has step-free access.
Contact
- Tourist Office & Heritage Centre: Market Square, Kildare Town – email: info@destinationkildaretown.ie
- St Brigid’s Cathedral: info@stbrigidscathedral.com
Plan around the cathedral’s May-to-September window and its lunchtime closure, and climb the tower first thing before the light flattens. The market square to Kildare Village is under ten minutes on foot, so you can knock off the tower, the Heritage Centre and the outlet in a single day without moving the car.