KILDARE’S TOURIST TREASURE IRISH NATIONAL STUD & GARDENS LOOKS FORWARD TO REOPENING

Nestled in the beating heart of Ireland’s thoroughbred county, County Kildare, the Irish National Stud & Gardens is set to welcome visitors once again on January 29, following an exceptional year in 2023. This distinctive attraction, blending woodlands, waterways, serene gardens, and thoroughbred horses, proudly stands as the world’s only tourism venue integrated with a working stud farm.

In the past year, this Kildare treasure served as a tranquil oasis for over 150,000 visitors of all ages—an 8% increase from 2022 and a remarkable 12% surge compared to pre-pandemic 2019 figures. The heightened popularity can be attributed to recent investments in the Irish Racehorse Experience, an interactive experience offering firsthand insights into breeding and owning a racehorse. The experience culminates in an exhilarating real-time race, promising to set participant’s pulses racing.

Winter and spring unveil a special charm at The Irish National Stud & Gardens as the award-winning gardens, curated by Head Gardener Tommy Moore, prepare for a vibrant bloom. With a focus on native Irish plants, sustainability and pollination, these gardens offer a unique spectacle.

Visitors will also have the delight of witnessing newly born foals frolicking in the stud’s fields daily. A record-breaking 370 foals were born at the Kildare attraction last year, establishing it as the largest equine maternity ward in Europe. The Irish National Stud & Gardens is committed to enhancing visitor experiences, with ongoing investments in family facilities, playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails not to mention a diverse calendar of events year round.

CEO Cathal Beale stated, “We can’t wait to open our gates and welcome visitors on January 29th. Spring brings a sense of rebirth, renewal, and rejuvenation, with new foals born almost every day—a captivating sight for our visitors. Beyond the horses, our Japanese Garden is renowned as one of the best in the country. Additionally, St. Fiachra’s garden, under the stewardship of Head Gardener Tommy Moore, emphasises sustainable gardening practices and hosts its own beehives to aid pollination.”

He continued, “We continually reinvest in our tourism offering, and it gives us great satisfaction to witness our tourist numbers grow each year as people continually discover the hidden wonders around our green oasis in the heart of thoroughbred country.”

 

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