Kildare: Irish National Stud & Gardens
County Kildare, Dublin
Explore the Irish National Stud gardens and one of the only thoroughbred breeding farms open to the public with this ticket and see where some of the world's finest racehorses have been produced.
Irish National Stud & Gardens Ticket – 40 Minutes from Dublin
This ticket grants access to the Irish National Stud and Gardens, suitable for visitors interested in thoroughbred breeding, equine history, and garden landscapes.
Highlights
- View the Stud Stallions, Mares, and Foals in a working thoroughbred farm
- Explore the unique history of Ireland’s thoroughbred breeding
- Meet retired racing stars such as Hurricane Fly, Beef, Salmon, and Faugheen
- Visit the Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra's Garden with distinct horticultural themes
- Participate in an award-winning interactive Irish Racehorse Experience
Description
Located 40 minutes from Dublin, the Irish National Stud and Gardens is one of the few thoroughbred breeding farms open to the public. Visitors can walk the grounds, learning about its history and seeing immaculately bred stallions and mares with foals.
The free guided tour covers the stud farm and the “Living Legends,” a team of retired champion racehorses. Gardens include the Japanese Gardens, featuring the “Life of Man” path symbolizing life’s journey, and St Fiachra's Garden, which celebrates the Irish landscape and local wildlife.
The interactive Irish Racehorse Experience takes visitors through the life of a racehorse from birth to retirement. Participants receive a “horse box” to simulate owning a racehorse, including activities such as a foaling demonstration, auctioning a yearling, and learning training, racing, and anatomy aspects. The experience culminates with a simulated race ride to test your horse.
The visit ends in the Living Legend room overlooking retired racehorses grazing, highlighting their lives after racing and their global impact.
Set on 850 acres of rolling green hills, the Irish National Stud & Gardens offers insight into Ireland’s equine heritage and horticulture.
The best time to visit is February through September. From October onward, the stud reduces operations and displays fewer horses on the grounds.
Includes
- Entrance to the stud, gardens, and Irish Racehorse Experience
- Access to public tours (check the Irish National Stud website for current tour times)
Important Information
- Last entry is at 5:00 PM
- The Irish Racehorse Experience operates from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Children under 7 years old must be accompanied by an adult to participate in the Racehorse Experience
- Public tour times vary seasonally:
- Standard: 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM
- Summer months: 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM
- From October: 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours before your visit for a full refund.
For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes and plan your visit between February and September when the stud is fully operational. Check the website ahead for updated tour schedules.
