Two days is the perfect amount of time to enjoy Kildare Town. Here's how our team would spend a weekend, with The Silken Thomas on Market Square as your base. Everything below is within walking distance or a short drive, so you can spend less time travelling and more time enjoying yourself.
Day one: shopping, gardens and dinner on the square
Morning: Arrive, leave your bags with our team and walk to Kildare Village, less than 10 minutes away. Mornings are the quietest time to shop.
Lunch: Grab a bite in the village, or stroll back to Market Square for lunch in our restaurant.
Afternoon: Drive 15 minutes to the Irish National Stud for a guided tour and a wander through the Japanese Gardens. Check in from 4pm when you get back.
Evening: Dinner in our award-winning restaurant, then settle into the bar for the rest of the night.
Day two: history, racing and the Curragh
Breakfast: Start the day downstairs, with everything from a full Irish breakfast to pancakes and fresh coffee.
Morning: Visit St Brigid's Cathedral and climb its round tower (seasonal), then call into the Kildare Town Heritage Centre on Market Square. Check-out is by 11am, and we're happy to mind your bags.
Afternoon: If there's a meeting on, catch the racing at the Curragh, around 10 minutes away. If not, walk the open Curragh plains or visit Newbridge Silverware and its Museum of Style Icons.
Before you go: A late lunch on Market Square before you head home.
Travelling with friends?
Our twin and triple rooms make it easy for friends to share, perfect for a girls' weekend, a birthday or a race-day trip. Book direct online, or call us to talk through group bookings. For more ideas, read our shopper's guide to Kildare Village and our guide to horse racing in Kildare.
Getting here
The Silken Thomas is at 16 Market Square, just off Junction 13 of the M7 and just over an hour from Dublin Airport. Kildare train station is only minutes away, with frequent services from Dublin, and Dublin Coach stops close to our door.
Opening times for attractions and race dates change through the year, so check before you travel. Our team is always happy to help you plan.
