We were very impressed by the Irish National Stud. Definitely take the free tour that's offered every couple hours. It was informative, funny, and well worth our time! The grounds were beautiful and the gardens were absolutely amazing. The Japanese Garden is one of the best I've seen. We got to see several of the barn's breeding stallions and there... more

We are totally not into horses but the guide made it very interesting. more

Very disappointing and very much NOT worth the money. The 'Japanese' Garden is an absolute joke! A couple of maples, a mock-Japanese bridge and about 20 paths winding around an area as big as my Mom's back garden (which is not big) does not make a Japanese Garden. As for the gravel garden… I mean, it has to be a... more

We spent the whole day, Sunday June 14th at the National Stud. As keen gardeners the Japanese Garden was our main target and it did not disappoint. It was quiet and peaceful and totally fasinating - at least it was until the tour coaches arrived! At that point the only option was to sit a while till the peace returned.... more

We went here on an overcast Sunday afternoon on March 1st 2009. Entry is €11 per adult. Japenese gardens are small but beautiful as ever, I really enjoy taking pictures on the red bridge. We then went to the national stud, we were too late for the stud guided tour so we walked around on our own. The stallions were... more

We came to visit the gardens but actually ended up enjoying the horse part much more. The Japanese Gardens are lovely, but smaller than I expected. St Fiachra's garden is larger and feels more informal. Guided tour of the stud was interesting and funny. The museum is modern and bright, with some great action photos and interesting stories. They have... more

I visited the National Stud last weekend and thought it was absolutely wonderful. I work in the industry so was there to see the horses but thought the gardens were beautiful and spent hours walking around the gardens and taking loads of photos. The guided tour is a must, very informative, especially if you have an interest in horses. Our... more

Just outside the Dublin traffic in the lovely town of Kildare, which I visited in Nov'07 on a crisp and sunny day. I started with a walk thru the gardens, which are beautifully kept and peaceful which was so relaxing, especially after a flight from the US. Afterwards I went to the stud. It's beautiful, very picturesque. I walked the... more

I've recently visited for the second time and we enjoyed this trip as much as the first. The gardens are beautiful, peaceful and relaxing. We didn't take the escorted tour, but will in the future (after overhearing some interesting snipets from a guide!). The Japanese Gardens is my daughters favourite (although not very stroller friendly) and we loved the tranquility... more