County Kildare sits just west of Dublin, close enough to be commuter territory but with a distinctly rural character of its own. This is horse country — the Curragh, a vast expanse of open grassland, is home to Ireland's premier racecourse and the heart of the Irish thoroughbred industry. The Irish National Stud and its beautiful Japanese Gardens in Kildare town are well worth a visit.
Beyond the horses, the county has a scattering of historic sites: the round tower and cathedral at Kildare town, the great Palladian mansion at Castletown House near Celbridge, and the evocative monastic ruins at Moone. The Grand Canal and Royal Canal both pass through the county, and their towpaths make for fine walking and cycling.
Kildare is not a destination most tourists think of, but it makes an easy day trip from Dublin or a peaceful base for exploring the midlands.