Things to do in County Kildare

Get your fill of Ireland's best-known beer in Dublin

Visit the original distillery where John Jameson first set up his shop in 1780

The Avoca Mill is set in the charming village of Avoca Co. Wicklow, known as ‘Garden of Ireland’. It's just 90 minutes from Dublin city centre! Within the picturesque, whitewashed walls of Avoca village lies the hub and heart of the Avoca weaving industry. On a guided tour of The Mill, visitors get a real sense of the skill and expertise of the in-house weaving team. These dedicated local craftspeople have been working with Avoca for many years. For some, the weaving trade has been passed down through the generations of their family. The Mill Tour is an interactive experience, where the weavers chat with visitors while they work and explain the full weaving process, from raw wool to the finished product. After a visit to The Mill, visitors can spend time browsing the extensive, world-famous collection of colourful throws and woollen mill products in the onsite retail store, or relax and enjoy freshly baked selection of cakes and delicious homemade dishes from the cafe.

Founded back in 1220, Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. It's also the tallest church in Ireland, boasting a 43-metre spire and some pretty impressive Gothic architecture. A well on the grounds of the cathedral is said to have been used by St. Patrick himself to baptize Ireland's pagan population into Christianity. The grounds are also the burial site of the Anglo-Irish writer of Gulliver's Travels, Jonathan Swift. Today, the cathedral is one of Dublin's must-see landmarks for visitors to the Fair City.

The GPO Museum is located inside the General Post Office on Dublin's O’Connell Street. This grand building, designed by Francis Johnston in 1814, is easy to reach by Dublin Bus, as well as via Bus Éireann and other national bus companies. It's also a three-minute walk from the Abbey Street stop on the Luas Red Line.

Eliminate the stress of getting to and from Dublin airport

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is situated in the lively Custom House Quarter building in Dublin's port district. The museum brings Ireland's fascinating history to life with immersive and interactive exhibits, video galleries, motion sensor quizzes, remastered archival material from 100 years ago, and more. EPIC is dedicated to the far-reaching influence of Irish emigration, and the impact of the 10 million Irish men and women who left Ireland for foreign shores.

Experience the Cliffs of Moher & West of Ireland: Leave Dublin for the day and see the coast

Experience interactive exhibits and optical illusions

Mount Usher Gardens is renowned internationally as one of the finest examples of Robinsonian gardens. Just an hour from central Dublin, Mount Usher is the perfect place for a day trip to County Wicklow. There are various types of Mount Usher Gardens tickets, including self-guided experiences and group tours. Find all the best options on this page and make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Pearse Lyons Distillery at St. James is an Irish whiskey distillery. Its founder, Pearse Lyons, held a PhD in yeast fermentation, and was the first Irishman to receive a formal degree in brewing and distilling from the British School of Malting and Brewing.

Built around 1028, Christ Church is Dublin’s premier cathedral. Remarkably, this medieval structure is the nominal seat of both the Anglican (Church of Ireland) and Roman Catholic archbishops of Dublin. It's also one of two medieval cathedrals in the same city.

Step back in time and enjoy art, furniture and stories of times past in Ireland’s best intact Georgian mansion and estate, nestled among the wildflower meadows of Newbridge Demesne. Newbridge Farm has an interactive and educational discovery trail through the farm and various rare breeds of animals. Meander through the walled garden and orchard and then back to the cobbled stone courtyard for some retail therapy. Only 30 minutes by car from Dublin city centre and parking is free. We’re easy to access by bus and train too with regular services from Dublin. For more information visit www.newbridgehouseandfarm.com

Unlock Dublin's wonders with a city card!

Dublin Castle has been at the center of Irish life since King John of England ordered its erection in 1204. Standing over much earlier structures including a Viking fortress and, possibly, a Gaelic ringfort, it forms the social and political heart of historic Dublin. Visiting Dublin Castle, you’ll get to see the majestic State Apartments, the Viking ruins underneath, and the ancient Black Pool where the river Liffey meets its underground tributary the River Poddle. The seat of British administration in Ireland for 700 years, this glorious collection of buildings recounts the history of Dublin like no other.

One million Irish people fled Ireland during the famine. 2,500 took a gruelling voyage on the Jeanie Johnston. Take a journey back in time, get an insight into life on board a Famine ship and hear the stories of the people who made the arduous voyage.

The nectar of life is all around you at one of Dublin's top attractions - the Irish Whiskey Museum. Here's where to come for a full lowdown on whiskey's history and to see some very cool whiskey memorabilia from the 1800s. The Irish Whiskey Museum is located right in the heart of Dublin, by Trinity College.

If you like a little tipple on a day trip, here's a destination for the Dublin list. The Teeling Whiskey Distillery, right in the heart of the city centre is the perfect place for anyone interested in Dublin's association – or, more accurately, obsession – with Irish whiskey. The Bang Bang Bar has great views over the city, and the on-site café has delicious food to help soak up all that booze.