Since we are now in Phase 2 of the lifted COVID-19 restrictions, we are now able to explore more of the country. The rules are you can either travel 20km from your home if you cross your county, or you can travel anywhere in your county. Luckily County Kildare is quite big. (even though we all prefer a bit of beach right now but we still have to wait two weeks for that one)
If you are lucky enough to live in County Kildare, there are many things to do and see.
Clonfert Pet Farm opened their doors last week again. Their booking system opens every Sunday for the following week. I tried to book for last week but the website kept crashing and eventually the tickets were sold out. However tomorrow we are heading in the afternoon. I hope the weather holds up because we are promised thunderstorms. If you aren’t in a rush to book a slot for the weekend, I would advise you to try and book Sunday evening or Monday morning. There were enough slots left for us to pick from.
As of now the indoor play area is closed off until further notice The cafe is open and operates on a one way system. A new menu will be available very soon. We are planning to have a picnic. Petting won’t be allowed for the foreseeable future. Tickets are €5 per adult/child. You will be asked to wait in the car until your booked time.
Kildare Farm Foods is another place that is open to the public. They have fresh food offers on a daily basis. You can check their social media, preferably Facebook. It looks like the nice weather is coming back and so this might be a great opportunity to stock up on the burgers. As well as well that they have an open farm which is free to roam around. Recently they developed an app available to Android and Apple user. It is a fun interaction for the kids with the animals.
The cafe and indoor 18 hole mini golf is also open, with social distancing of course. They usually have a train going around the farm but I couldn’t tell whether that operates. As it is quite small, I can’t imagine it meets the government guidelines right now because everyone is sitting quite close.
Donadea Forest Park
This place is on our list quite regular during Spring and Summer. To get into the car park, you have to pay €5 in coins. There is plenty of space for the kids to run around. We bring the scooters or bikes sometimes as Chloe can get tired after a while. In the middle of the forest you will find a small little cafe with seating outside. Only one person at a time is allowed in to follow social distancing guidelines. They offer ice cream, pastries, coffee, tea and drinks.
Castletown House
Even though Castletown House is quite close to us, we never managed to visit. I am planning a visit in the next few days though to keep the kids busy. The parklands are beautiful along the river. I think there is a little entry fee required to the park which is €3 for adults and €2 for kids. The Courtyard Cafe is open.
Irish National Studs & Gardens
The Japanese Gardens are located in the Irish National Studs. Admission is €8 for children and €14 for adults. It’s free for children under three. Please take note you need to book 72 hours in advanced according to their website. Just for the beautiful gardens it’s worth a visit. You’ll find a fairy trail along the way, too.
Pollardstown Fen
I discovered this walk a few days ago. A fen apparently is very rare to find these days. It relies on rainfall. Watch the birds and just enjoy the landscape in the bog. It’s located just outside of Newbridge.
All other places below will reopen 29th/30th June which we also recommend:
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park
