Spring to Life at the Irish National Stud and Gardens

Spring to Life at the Irish National Stud and Gardens

Up to 15% off admission tickets!

Enter the promo code at check-out: USA2026

(Conversion = Price in euro * 1.1)

Click here to book now!

Spring is when the Irish National Stud and Gardens truly comes into its own. Foaling Season is in full swing, the Japanese Garden awakens, St. Fiachra’s Garden is alive with wildlife, and the Irish Racehorse Experience is ready to test your skills. Whether you’re here to discover new life and meet newborn foals, walk the Path of Life, surround yourself with wildlife, or have the time of your life training a winning horse, you’ll find something new around every corner…

Discover New Life in the Foaling Unit

Spring is the height of Foaling Season at the Irish National Stud and Gardens. It’s the perfect time to visit to see mares and newborn foals. Join one of our daily guided tours with an expert guide, and journey around the Stud Farm. 

Your tour guide will bring you to the Sun Chariot Yard (our maternity ward) and to the Foaling Unit where our foals are born. Next visit the famous Stallions in the iconic Stallion Yard. Carry on down to the Kildare Yard, where you’ll find paddocks filled with mares and their foals learning how to run and play together, forming bonds and exploring their new world. The mares keep a watchful eye on them, as do our devoted staff, making sure they have everything they need, are well handled, and are prepared for the next step of their journey…

Walk the Path of Life in the Japanese Gardens

The historic Japanese Gardens, designed and built by Tassa Eida between 1906 and 1910, tell the story of the Life of Man with intricate details of waterways, planting, stepping stones and paths throughout this immaculate garden. Using our self-guided maps outlining the story, explore the gardens and discover an enchanting and enlightening journey, representative of that which all of us must make…

Follow the story from the beginning – enter at the Gate of Oblivion, climb the Hill of Ambition, and cross the Bridge of Life – before it comes to an end at the Hill of Mourning. The story might end here, but your visit certainly doesn’t, there’s plenty more to see! 

Surround Yourself with Wildlife in St. Fiachra’s Garden

St. Fiachra’s Garden, a haven for wildlife, is inspired by Ireland’s rugged landscape and monastic history. St. Fiachra, the patron saint of gardeners, sits in the garden overlooking the lake and the flora and fauna that thrives there. The monastic cells, or “beehive cells” behind him are based on centuries-old structures built by Irish monks as spaces for reflection, contemplation and relaxation. As you walk through the garden, look out for ducks, rabbits, squirrels, and all manner of small birds as they go about their days here at the Irish National Stud and Gardens. Close by you’ll find the Buglington Hotel, magical Fairy Trail, Fairy Village, playground and picnic area, perfect for families to explore and relax in nature.

Have the Time of Your Life in the Irish Racehorse Experience

Set your pulse racing in Ireland’s only interactive, award-winning experience dedicated to showcasing the life of a racehorse, from foal to retirement. Start at the very beginning and discover how horse racing came to be, watch the foaling process, and see the importance of early foal development. Then the game begins! With our interactive devices, buy your horse at the sales, then advance through the steps to give it a name, select a trainer, choose your training regime, and finally design your jockey’s colours. 

Throughout the experience, there are interactive displays and demonstrations telling you about the world of racing – explore racehorse trainer Jessica Harrington’s yard, learn about how horses are kept fit and healthy, discover the racecourses in Ireland and even try your hand at commentating a race. The final step is The Big Race where your decisions come into play – take the reins on a racing simulator and find out, who has the fastest horse? 

Book your visit to the Irish National Stud and Gardens as it comes to life this spring, open 7 days a week from 9 am. Whether you are planning a family day out in Kildare, a spring garden visit, or hoping to see newborn foals up close, the Irish National Stud and Gardens offers something truly special this season. 

Entering the promo code will reduce your ticket price by up to 15% off the walk-up admission price when you buy online.

Click here to book now!