Kildare National Stud Tour | Neeson Ireland Tours

Kildare National Stud Full Day Tour
(Private Tour, 1~8 People €700.00)

The tour will start with a panoramic drive from Dublin, travelling west towards County Kildare. The first stop on the tour will be at a location in the open grasslands in The Curragh. The word 'Curragh' means, place of the running horse. Dan Donnelly and Eirc Cooper had a boxing fight in the Curragh in 1815 with 20,000 people in attendance. The fight lasted a long time with Dan Donnelly the victorious winner. The area where the fight took place is known as Dan Donnelly's Hallow. Today there is a small monument standing stone to commemorate this famous fight. There are many stories about the boxing legend Dan Donnelly that your guide will recount to you.

The next stop on your tour will be The National Stud, where you can get a tea or coffee.

The world renowned National Stud is home to some of Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds. The farm at Tully was purchased from the Fay family in 1900 by Colonel William Hall Walker. Hall Walker became the most successful breeder of the age, enjoying his finest hour when King Edward VII led Minoru, born and raised at Tully, into Epsom’s winners’ enclosure following a famous victory in the 1909 Derby.

In 1915 the farm and all it's stock was gifted to the Crown and became The National Stud under the leadership of Sir Henry Greer. The success continued with the farm producing the winners of all five Classics. In 1942 Sun Chariot, born and bred at Tully, earned herself an indelible place in racing history when landing the fillies’ Triple Crown – the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks and St. Leger – for King George VI. In 1943, the newly formed Irish Government took over the land and buildings at an agreed valuation. In 1945 the Irish National Stud Company Ltd. was formed, officially taking over the running of the Stud on 31st August, 1946.

The Japanese Gardens are situated in the grounds of the stud farm. Planned to symbolise the life of man from the cradle to the grave, they are very pleasant and charming.

Kildare Town ~ lunch in a pub or café. (Not Included).

Next on your tour will be a visit to The Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre, which is a contemporary and vintage shopper's paradise. The Visitor Centre houses the complete range of Newbridge Silverware products and incorporates the famous Museum of Style Icons. You will be able to take home a souvenir, or a gift for that someone special.