The Norman invasion in the 1100s marked the beginning of more than 700 years of Norman influence in Ireland. During this time of assimilating various invaders of the country, Barberstown Castle emerged as a battlement in the 13th century and is now situated within 20 meticulously landscaped 19 acres/8 hectares in County Kildare, offering a variety of diversions for its guests. Using this unique 12th-century castle as a base to visit the Ireland's Ancient East, Barberstown Castle offers easy access to distinctive and historic activities.

Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens
Home to the world’s finest thoroughbreds, the National Stud was the proud showcase to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her state visit to Ireland in May 2011. The world famous Japanese Gardens share the same beautiful estate and are one of the gems of Ireland’s Heritage, having recently celebrated their 100th year. Open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Kildare Town Heritage Center
Providing visitors a walking tour during most months of the year, this heritage center in the medieval town of Kildare is the perfect spot to begin one’s travels through this historic town. Open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Kildare Village
Guests of Barberstown Castle receive a 10 percent off voucher for Kildare Village, a high-end, boutique shopping outlet. Open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Newgrange and Knowth
Newgrange is arguably one of the finest monuments of European pre-history, dating to circa 3200 B.C. and built during the Neolithic or New Stone Age (500 years before the Great Pyramids of Egypt). Presenting a fascinating and important archaeological heritage of the Boyne Valley, the megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth should not be missed. Pre-advanced ticket and/or tour purchases are highly recommended. Open year round, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Dublin City
Originally founded as a Viking settlement, Dublin expanded into Ireland’s largest city after the Norman invasion in 1169. Dublin is now the capitol and largest city in Ireland, and ranked among the top 30 cities in the world.

Attractions & Activities on Barberstown Castle's Doorstep

Ancient Ireland

• Newgrange, 5,000 year old megalithic site and is older than the pyramids (70 km - 50 minutes)
• Loughcrew, Megalithic burial chambers (80 km - 1 hour 5 minutes)

Castles & Conquests

• Kilkenny Castle and Medieval City and "The Medieval Mile", Kilkenny (111 km - 1 hour 10 minutes)
• The Rock of Cashel, (147 km - 1 hour 30 minutes)

Big Houses & Hard Times

• Castletown House, Ireland's oldest Palladian house and how Lady Louisa Connolly helped the community and unearth the tragic tales of Ireland's Famine families, Celbridge (11 km)

Sacred Ireland

• Saint Patricks College, Maynooth (7 km)
• Glendalough Monastic Site and Round Tower (57 km - 1 hour)

Horseracing & Equestrian - The Sport of Kings

• Punchestown Racecourse in Naas (14 km)
• The Curragh Racecourse in Newbridge (34 km)
• Naas Racecourse in Naas (14 km)
• Outdoor Country Pursuits including Horseriding at Abbeyfield Farm (2 km)
• The Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens (41 km)

Golfing

• The K Club Golf Resort, Straffan (1 km)
• Carton House, Maynooth (10 km)

Shopping

• Kildare Village - Designer outlet shopping, Kildare (39 km)
• Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre & Style Icons Museum (20 km)

Walking & Local Museums

• Donadea Forest Park, Donadea (12 km)
• Grand Canal Walk from Celbridge to Sallins -12 km walk in total (8 km)
• Castletown House, Trails and River, Celbridge (11 km)
• The Steam Museum, Straffan (1 km)