A countryside caper

Stay: The K Club
This gleaming white mansion is surrounded by more than 500 acres of Irish countryside, with almost as many activities to match. Families should snag one of the two gate lodges, to dip in and out of the hotel as they please. The K Club, Straffan, W23 YX53

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Head to: Kildare Village
There’s complimentary parking, plus 13 ChargePoint stations for electric cars that need topping up while you shop. Pre-book Hands-free Shopping for a seamless family day out. Kildare Village, Kildare, R51 R265

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Shop: Tommy Hilfiger Kids
The king of all-American preppy cool, Tommy Hilfiger's childrenswear decks out little ones from head to toe: embroidered baseball caps, sharp polo shirts, plenty of denim and spotless sneakers. Tommy Hilfiger Kids, Kildare Village

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Refuel: Rolling Donut
Michael Quinlan started selling his delicious deep-fried dough at music concerts around Ireland in the late 70s. Today, his daughter Lisa is guardian of the doughnuts, made with its signature sourdough base. Rolling Donut, Kildare Village

Shop: K-Way
A waterproof jacket is essential for any Irish trip. Parisian brand K-Way makes the chicest, including its signature Le Vrai, which folds down into a tiny pocket – slip one into your bag to be ready whatever the weather. K-Way, Kildare Village

VISIT THE BOUTIQUE

Lunch: Mani
This hit Dublin pizza slinger sells its Roman-style pies by the slice – perfect for little appetites or those who want to greedily try the carbonara, cacio e pepe and pepperoni toppings. Mani, Kildare Village

Shop: Kids around
Mini fashion fans can get kitted out in all the big names at this boutique, where you’ll find Michael Kors baby snowsuits and KENZO leopard-printed sweatshirts, tiny BOSS trainers and Chloé tees. Kids around, Kildare Village

VISIT THE BOUTIQUE

Play: Playground
Children will capture the castle at Kildare Village’s playground, with turrets to conquer, bridges to storm across and slides to ambush – all inspired by Irish Round Towers and the nearby Grey Abbey ruins. Playground, Kildare Village

Dinner: Hart’s of Kildare
This popular pub digs into the local larder, with Shane Valley braised lamb shoulder, fish and chips made with haddock from Wrights of Marino and West Cork Hereford steaks. Hart’s of Kildare, Kildare Town, R51 TN60

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Back to: K Club
The K Spa is open until 8 pm at weekends, if one parent can slip out of bedtime for a geranium- and jasmine-scented sleep ritual all of their own. K Club, Straffan, W23 YX53

Pastries pit stop: Bad Habits
Swing by this serious coffee shop – it roasts its own beans in the bright orange Diedrich roaster on site – for a caffeine top-up, hot chocolates and pain au chocolat. Bad Habits, Naas, W91 VX2D

Stroll: Irish National Stud and Gardens
Kildare is horse racing country – here, you’ll see foals gently wobbling around the lush fields in spring. Don’t forget to follow the fairy trails through the woods and be enchanted by the cherry blossom and lily ponds in the Japanese Gardens. Irish National Stud and Gardens, Tully, R51 AP20

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Late brunch: Tractor Café
Kildare Farm Foods shop is stuffed with organic apple juice from the orchard and beef joints from cattle raised by the Sexton family. The café’s menu is just as farm-fresh, including a full Irish breakfast served until midday. Tractor Cafe, Kildare, R51 KX37

Meet the animals: Kildare Farm Foods
Afterwards there’s all the fun of the farm to enjoy, including llamas, peacocks, goats and more to meet, a duck pond, bee hives and even pick-your-own in the summer. Kildare Farm Foods, Kildare, R51 KX37

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Walk: Lullymore Heritage Park
Kildare’s vast peatlands were once dug up for fuel, but today they’re hubs of biodiversity. This 60 acre site at the heart of the Bog of Allen explores not only the historic secrets but woodland trails, wildlife and recreations of ancient settlements. Lullymore Heritage Park, Lullymore, R51 E036

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Play: Lullymore Heritage Park
Time to run off steam, whether in the indoor play area with its climbing nets, rope bridges and whizzy cable run or outside in the castle climbing frame and sand pit. Then tee off for some 18-hole mini golf.

Dinner: The Dew Drop Inn
Swap a pint of Guinness for one of Dew Drop Brewhouse’s creamy Turnpike stout while little ones feast on cheesy potato skins, retro prawn cocktails and banoffee sundaes. The Dew Drop Inn, Kill, W91 F634

Back to: K Club
The hotel can arrange a babysitter so parents can slink down to the Art Nouveau-style Blue Martini cocktail bar for an after dinner Rusty Nail or Irish Coffee.