Bluebells and barge trips

Stay: Cliff at Lyons
This huddle of rose-clad buildings is home to Kildare’s most romantic hotel and sits on the edge of Lyons Demesne’s magnificent country estate. Cliff at Lyons, Lyons, W23 F8KP

BOOK A ROOM

Breakfast: Firecastle
The warm brioche breakfast buns are serious shopping fuel, whether filled with O’Neills award-winning bacon and smoked scamorza cheese or smashed avocado, mushroom, fried egg and a drizzle of black bean rayu. Firecastle, Kildare Town, R51 AD61

Head to: Kildare Village
Pre-book Hands-free Shopping to save juggling the bags you’ll collect on a spin around Kildare Village’s more than 100 boutiques. Shopping packages come with a VIP Pass for a 10% saving on the Village price in participating boutiques, too. Kildare Village, Kildare, R51 R265

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Shop: Penhaligon’s
The old school British perfumer creates concoctions inspired by everything from vintage sports cars driving down country lanes (eucalyptus, pink pepper and patchouli) to Savile Row workrooms (cardamom, lavender). Penhaligon’s, Kildare Village

VIEW THE BOUTIQUE

Sweet treat: Avoca
Ireland’s favourite homeware boutique also serves up Irish foodie favourites in its dedicated market, which temptingly includes Clo chocolates, Seymour’s shortbread and Butlers truffles. Just add coffee from the Avoca hut outside. Avoca, Kildare Village

Shop: Number 55 at Kildare Village
This new pop-up boutique gathers together some of the most-talked-about brands of the moment: covetable Scottish handbags from Strathberry, Turkish-inspired Ottoman Hands jewellery, Irish-founded STORIES Parfums and perfectly cut PAIGE denim. Number 55 at Kildare Village, Kildare Village

VIEW THE BOUTIQUE

Lunch: Saba
The latest Dublin blow-in, Saba dishes up fresh Thai and Vietnamese food, including zingy Fan Fo noodles, crispy pineapple duck and plenty of veg-forward curries. Saba, Kildare Village

VIEW THE MENU

Shop: Avoca
Colourful blankets handwoven at the brand’s mill in the village of Avoca, County Wicklow, are the must-purchase here. But a Love Note scented candle, stoneware mug and Avoca at Home cookbook might just slip into your shopping bag, too. Avoca, Kildare Village

VIEW THE BOUTIQUE

Guinness: Kavannagh’s
There’s live music on the weekends and a top-class pint of the black stuff. Grab a packet of Taytos and settle down in a snug to complete the perfect Irish pub experience. Kavannagh’s, Naas, W91 ANP2

Dinner: Bouchon
Head upstairs from Kavannagh’s and the vibe shifts to Parisian bistro. On the menu might be salmon rillette and miso-glazed hake, Irish wagyu burgers and a decadent chocolate fondant. Bouchon, Naas, W91 ANP2

BOOK A TABLE

Back to: Cliffs at Lyon
Book one of the antique-filled Lily Pond rooms to drift off in a four-posted bed, accompanied by the gentle sound of the fountain outside. Cliffs at Lyon, Kildare, W23 F8KP

Breakfast bagel: Hey Darling
This cult local mini-chain, with other outposts in Naas and Kill, is famous for its bagels, thickly filled with smoked salmon and cream cheese or chicken Caesar salad – croutons and all. Hey Darling, Sallins, W91 C786

Cruise: The Grand Canal
Not that Grand Canal, but Ireland's version is almost as picturesque as its Venetian counterpart, flowing through the lush Kildare countryside. Cliffs at Lyons can charter a private barge. The Grand Canal

Lunch: Neighbourhood
Full Irish breakfast and Okonomiyaki hash brunch plates are served until 1 pm. Afterwards, the set menu runs from Currach scallops to cacio e pepe pasta – and is brilliant value. Neighbourhood, Naas, W91 RH96

BOOK A TABLE

Walk: Moore Abbey Wood
In late spring, the forest floor practically glows with bluebells, but the peaceful woodland walking trails are just as lovely year-round, roaming through cypress-lined avenues and offering glimpses of the stately Moore Abbey house. Moore Abbey Wood, Gorteenoona

Coffee: The Woodstack Cafe
Squirrelled away among the trees, this hand built wooden café is a sweet post-walk stop for a caffeine fix and homemade cake. The Woodstack Cafe, Moore Abbey

Relax: The Well in the Garden Spa
The scent of lavender and rosemary will instantly set shoulders lower, while treatments using organic peat from the bogs of County Laois adds a uniquely Irish twist to the spa line-up. The Well in the Garden Spa, Cliff at Lyons

FIND OUT MORE

Dinner: Shackleton Mill Restaurant
This romantic spot has views of the cascading waterfalls that once powered this former flour mill. Today, the mill turns out rather more elevated produce: lobster ravioli, venison loin with celeriac remoulade and delicate layers of mille feuille. Shackleton Mill Restaurant, Cliff at Lyons