Touring Routes of County Kildare
North Kildare Tourist Route
1. ST. MARY'S CHURCH, LEIXLIP
Main
Street, Leixlip
T: 01 6249147/087 2439619
The original church on this site
was built in the 12th century. When Robert Bruce, King
of Scotland. and his brother, Edward, laid siege to Leixlip
Castle in 1315, the church was used as a stable and burned
following their unsuccessful attempt at gaining possession
of the castle. Only the tower survived. Rebuilt in 1675,
St Mary's had become a Church of Ireland church during
the reformation. The clock on the tower dates from the 18th
century. The church is in regular use.
Open during services
2. LEIXLIP CASTLE
T: 01 6244430
ENTRANCE CHARGE
The castle was built soon after 1172 at the
confluence of the Rye Water and the River Liffey, by
Adam de Hereford, a follower of Strongbow. The castle passed
through many hands over the years including those of
William Conolly, nephew of the 'Speaker' Conolly, who built
nearby Castletown House. The Hon Desmond Guinness, founder
of the Irish Georgian Society, purchased the property in
1958. It houses an important collection of furniture and
paintings from the great houses of Ireland and is open to
the public throughout most of March and September, and for
the full month of May, (otherwise by appointment).
3. CASTLETOWN HOUSE, CELBRIDGE
T: 01 6288252
E: castletown@opw.ie
www.heritageireland.ie
ENTRANCE CHARGE
The most important example in Ireland of a
Palladian mansion. Begun in 1722 by William Conolly, Castletown
has been described as the finest house in Ireland and was
on many a travelling gentleman's itinerary in the 18th
and 19th centuries. No expense was spared in the building
and decoration of the house, which is startling in its scale
and situation. The print room, decorated by Lady Louisa
Conolly, is the only remaining example in Ireland.
Open April to November
4. LODGE PARK WALLED GARDEN & STRAFFAN STEAM MUSEUM,
STRAFFAN
T: 01 6273155/6288412
E: info@steam-museum.ie
www.steam-museum.ie
ENTRANCE CHARGE
Two attractions at one location; a restored
eighteenth century walled garden in which produce is still
grown for the adjoining Lodge park, a Palladian house of
1773 (not open to the public), and the steam museum, featuring
a fascinating collection of models of steam-powered machines.
Special steam afternoons run during the summer when collectors
are invited to bring along model steam engines, ships and
clocks for display.
Open June, July, August, Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays
5. STRAFFAN BUTTERFLY FARM, STRAFFAN
T: 01 6271109
E: info@straffanbutterflyfarm.com
www.straffanbutterflyfarm.com
ENTRANCE CHARGE
Curious kids will love the huge creepy crawlies
(both alive and under glass) jostling for attention with
beautiful native and exotic butterflies, spiders and reptiles
in the Straffan Butterfly Farm.
Open May, June, July
Continue the Tour :: Touring Routes
- 