Page 63 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
KILDARE
OUGHTERARD ROUND TOWER AND CEMETERY
JN 6 (N7) TOWARDS CASTLEWARDEN
10 min from exit
This site includes a castle dating from 1636 and a church from around 1189. The Round Tower is set on an elevated site in a beautifully well-maintained graveyard with a ruined late-medieval barrel vault chapel. The church on site houses vaults belonging to Arthur Guinness, who is now buried here.
PUNCHESTOWN STANDING STONE
JN 6 (N7) TOWARDS CASTLEWARDEN
15 min from exit
The Punchestown Standing Stone is the tallest and most remarkable of several long stones in Co Kildare and can be found beside Punchestown Racecourse.
POLLARDSTOWN FEN
JN 12 (R413) NORTHBOUND 6 min from exit
Found just 3km from Newbridge, Pollardstown Fen is roughly 220 hectares of alkaline peatland. Containing a number of rare vegetation types and invertebrates, along with an uninterrupted pollen record, ‘The Fen’ is of international importance, as this type of system is now rare in Ireland and Western Europe.
THE CURRAGH
JN 12 (R445 AND R413) TOWARDS NEWBRIDGE 3 min from exit
A flat open plain of almost 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) of common land between Newbridge and Kildare, The Curragh is shrouded in history and mythology. Legend has it that the great plain was handed over to St Brigid in the year 480 AD and The Hill of Allen to the north was the meeting place of the mythical Fianna. The Curragh is perhaps the oldest and most extensive tract of natural grassland in Europe, having existed as such for over two thousand years. It is also home to the Irish Defence Forces and The Curragh Racecourse.
TOP HIGHLIGHT
ST BRIGID’S CATHEDRAL AND ROUND TOWER
JN 13 (R415) TOWARDS KILDARE TOWN
5 min from exit
St Brigid’s Cathedral stands on the site where Saint Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron saints, founded a nunnery in the fifth century. It is steeped in important religious history, the present cathedral was rebuilt in the 19th century and houses many fascinating religious artefacts, including a 16th century vault, early Christian and Norman carvings and a high cross. The Gothic- style architecture reflects the structure’s dual purpose as both a place of defence and of religious worship. A 12th century round tower stands on the grounds and at 33m tall is one of Ireland’s most impressive round towers. This historic tower is open to visitors during the summer months and stunning panoramic views can be taken in from the roof, for visitors daring enough to climb to the top.
KILDARE VILLAGE
JN 13 (R415)
2 min from exit
For a great day out, nestled within landscaped grounds and presented in an authentic village environment, Kildare Village is the perfect luxury shopping destination. You will find it difficult to resist temptation with over 90 brands such as Louise Kennedy, Gucci, Armani, Brooks Brothers, Anya Hindmarch and Hugo Boss offering up to 60% off all year around. If you’re feeling peckish, Kildare Village offers a range of food and drink options to suit every taste. Enjoy, for example, Italian cuisine at L’Officina or indulge in crêpes made with organic ingredients at Crêperie Angélie.
To make your trip as hassle free as possible the Village offers a play area for children, complimentary kennelling for your four-legged friends, and a Tourist Information Office for when you’re ready to explore further afield.
IRISH NATIONAL STUD AND JAPANESE GARDENS
JN 13 (R415) SOUTHBOUND
3 min from exit
Located on the outskirts of Kildare Town, the Irish National Stud and Gardens offers daily guided tours
IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST 61