Stop off at Kildare Village

Kildare Village, an essential addition to your holiday itinerary.

Heading off on holiday? Stop off at Kildare Village, conveniently located at exit 13 on the M7 motorway, and discover 100 boutiques from some of the world’s best-known brands along with a selection of cafés and restaurants offering sumptuous local and international cuisine. Break up your journey with a visit to this unique, open-air shopping destination and enjoy a truly unmissable experience.

Start your break with a trip to Kildare Village then head south to some of our favourite staycation spots. Here are our recommendations for the perfect Irish escape this summer.

01

Cork City

Cork City offers visitors a true blend of old and new in a friendly city that feels like a cosy town. As you wander through the streets you’ll find a bustling collection of cool coffee shops, vibrant art galleries, quirky museums and a mix of traditional pubs and contemporary cocktail bars.

Step into the English Market and you’ll be in a foodie paradise with buzzing stalls offering artisan cheese, smoked fish, creamy chocolate and more. The appreciation for all things food continues with the city’s vibrant restaurant scene with favourites such as vegetarian eatery Café Paradiso and local produce champion Farmgate Café sitting alongside exciting new hotspots including Electric, Salt, Miyazaki and Elbow Lane.

02

East Cork

Travel less than 30 minutes east of Cork City to discover the history of the Titanic, imposing castles and pretty seaside towns all in close proximity. One of the most popular local day trips is to Cobh, a beautiful seaport town with a bittersweet history. Cobh was the last port of call for Titanic, the story of which is told at the Titanic Experience, located in the old White Star Line shipping offices. Next, breathe in the fresh air as you enjoy the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. This five-mile cliff trail begins at the end of Ballycotton Village and ends at Ballyandreen Beach, allowing you to admire the stunning seascape along the way.

03

West Cork

Go west from the city to discover the Haven Coast, part of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Travel from Bantry Bay through Skibbereen and on to Kinsale and you’ll find numerous hidden inlets and beautiful Blue Flag beaches. West Cork is known for its creative scene and offers a range of wonderful artisan foods as well as being a hub for the arts and festivals. While you’re there, why not take to the sea with a guided kayaking tour at Lough Hyne or enjoy a whale watching tour with the chance to spot an array of marine wildlife in its natural habitat.

04

Limerick

On the banks of the River Shannon is the quirky, vibrant and individual city of Limerick. With beautiful Georgian architecture, grand museums and a passion for rugby, Limerick will win you over with its unique charm. In the city, make sure to visit the Milk Market, a rejuvenated bazaar of local produce that comes straight from the producer, then sip cocktails in one of the glamorous restaurants, such as Marco Polo or House Limerick.

Enjoy some time outdoors with a visit to Lough Gur – an ancient lake with a history of settlers dating back over 5,000 years – where the remains of an ancient stone circle, a hill fort and mass rock can be found. For adrenaline junkies, a trip to the Ballyhoura Mountains shouldn’t be missed, with 95 km of stacked mountain bike trails to be explored.

Pack your bags and hop in the car – there are many beautiful places to be explored in Ireland, and what better way to break up the journey than with a visit to Kildare Village for a coffee and a spot of shopping en route.

05

Waterford

Just 1.5 hours from Kildare Village, County Waterford is home to miles of stunning coastline, Ireland’s oldest city and seaside towns filled with history. Waterford is home to a number of particularly pretty beaches, but for real seaside magic, the Copper Coast, a UNESCO Global Geopark, is a must-visit. This stretch of coastline is home to some stunning cliffs as well as sandy beach trails – with some of the most popular being Dunmore East, Tramore and Annestown. No trip to Waterford is complete without heading along the Waterford Greenway, a 46 km (29 mile) off-road cycling and walking trail that starts in the city and meanders past Norman castles, medieval ruins and a Viking settlement before leaving you in the pretty coastal town of Dungarvan.