Kildare

From left to right: Russborough House, The Irish National Stud, Kildare Town tower and crosses, Cottage in Irish National Stud

Famed internationally for being Ireland’s horse country, Kildare is much more than just a center for all things equine. The county may be home to the National Stud, Punchestown Racecourse and The Curragh, but this beautifully rural spot also has excellent angling and golfing facilities as well as a wonderful selection of opulent country house hotels.

Predominantly rural, Kildare is a beautifully quiet and understated county, with tranquil expanses of green, rich peatlands, misty forests and pretty waterways.

And dotted amongst this soft rural idyll are truly beautiful sights, such as the Japanese Gardens at the National Stud, Larchill Arcadian Gardens and the majestic Russborough House.

All this, and you’re only 25 miles from the center of  Dublin city!