At Kilkea Castle & Nearby
Golf
Kilkea Castle offers an 18-hole par 70 championship parkland golf course, measuring 6200 metres.
Spa
The Spa has 5 treatment rooms including a large couples suite, a Relaxation Room, a Hydrotherapy Pool and a Beauty Lounge for hair, make-up and nails.
Equestrian
Kildare is known as the "Thoroughbred County". Kilkea offers memorable horse-riding experiences and help you discover the thrill of exploring the beautiful countryside on horseback.
Archery
It has been around for 15,000 years and now Kilkea Castle makes for an amazing backdrop for your very own version of Game of Thrones.
Falconry
The majesty of Falcons, Owls and Hawks can be experienced amidst the backdrop of our historic Castle.
Whiskey Tasting
You will be taken on an exploration on the vibrancy of three Irish Whiskeys guided by an expert member of the team.
Athy Boat Tours
Located centrally in Athy Town, “Freedom on the Water” departs from the Jetty adjacent to the Courthouse, with ample parking available. athyboattours.com/
Burtown House & Gardens and The Green Barn
Burtown House, an early Georgian manor house, built in 1710, is surrounded by lush flower, vegetable and woodland gardens with beautiful park and farmland walks, as well as a lovely Cafe with homemade treats. https://burtownhouse.ie/
St. Brigid's Cathedral & Round Tower
Located in the centre of Kildare town, Saint Bridget’s Cathedral and accompanying Round Tour is a must see in Kildare. The top of the Round Tour is home to some of the best views of the midlands and beyond. www.kildare.ie/heritage/details.asp?GCID=140
Moone High Cross Inn
Two miles away is the Moone High Cross Inn, an Irish pub famous for its its craic and live music that is reputed to be Clint Eastwood’s favourite pub in the whole of Ireland.
The Bistro
The Bistro is located in the Clubhouse at Kilkea Castle. The Bistro offers all-day dining and is the perfect place to relax with friends and family.
Hermione's Restaurant at the Clubhouse
Hermoine's is located in the Clubhouse at Kilkea Castle. This will be open for dinner on the night prior to the wedding.
The Keep
Kilkea Castle's Bar, The Keep, located in the ground floor of the Castle, is the perfect spot to enjoy a pint of Guinness.
Traditional Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room
Offers a wide selection of specialty teas, delicate finger sandwiches, warm homemade scones and chilled bubbly.
The Old Yard
Down the road from Kilkea you'll find The Old Yard, an old farmhouse where you can enjoy lunch in the tea room and some antique shopping. http://www.theoldyard.ie/
Guinness Storehouse www.guinness-storehouse.com/en
Trinity College & the Book of Kells https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/
St. Stephen's Green Park ststephensgreenpark.ie/
Grafton Street for shopping
Hop on Hop off bus tour city-sightseeing.com/en/50/dublin
Pubs
O'Donoghues - a great place to listen to traditional Irish music
The School House - a local pub to where Kelly & Conor worked
Toner's - one of the best pints of Guinness in Dublin
The Bridge - cozy pub great for watching rugby
Restaurants & Cafes
Bestseller - a very cute Wine Cafe
Fade street Social - gastro pub
Dillingers - excellent brunch
Market bar - small shared plates
If you're planning on spending some time exploring Ireland, here are some of Conor & Kelly's favorite sites around the country.
Galway is a great place to spend a few nights and makes a great base for day trips around the west of Ireland. From Galway you're not too far from the Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher, and Connemara.
Cliffs of Moher - while the Cliffs of Moher are definitely a tourist attraction, they're worth a trip!
Killarney - If visiting Killarney, be sure to check out the Killarney National Park and Ring of Kerry.
Wicklow Mountains - not too far outside of Dublin is the Wicklow National Park, offering beautiful hikes. Glendalough is a must visit with it's Monastic sites, scenic lakes, and walking trails.
Kilkea Castle Golf Club: Part of the wedding reception venue, this is a magnificent 18 hole parkland golf course measuring 6,700 yards.
Adjacent to Dublin, there are two world famous links courses: Portmarnock Golf Club and Royal Dublin Golf Club. Both have hosted numerous championships.
Within one hour's drive of Kilkea Castle is Mount Juliet. This is a parkland course designed by Jack Nicklaus where Tiger Woods won in 2005 and which will hold the Irish Open in 2021.
Two other courses in Co. Kildare worth visiting are the K Club and Carton House.