Irish National Stud & Gardens: Entry Ticket

Located in Tully, County Kildare (45 minutes southwest of Dublin), the Irish National Stud is Ireland's state-owned working thoroughbred breeding farm, producing champion racehorses since 1900. The estate also features the world-renowned Japanese Gardens, St. Fiachra's Garden, and the interactive Irish Racehorse Experience.

The best time to visit is between February and September. During spring and early summer, foaling season is in full swing and you can see newborn foals with their mares in the St. Brigid's paddocks. From October through winter, breeding operations wind down and fewer horses are out in the paddocks.

Yes! Complimentary 45-minute public guided tours are included in your entry ticket. They run daily at 11:00 AM and 02:00 PM (and at 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 02:00 PM, and 04:00 PM during peak summer months).

The Irish Racehorse Experience is an award-winning, interactive exhibition included with your ticket (open daily from 11:00 AM to 03:00 PM/04:00 PM). Using a personal digital 'Vox' device, you buy a yearling at auction, choose its trainer, design your jockey silks, and ride your horse in a simulated race!

Laid out between 1906 and 1910 by Japanese master horticulturist Eida Tassa and his son Minoru, the Japanese Gardens are considered the finest in Europe and trace the symbolic journey of the 'Life of Man' from birth to eternity. Next door, St. Fiachra's Garden (created in 1999 to honor the patron saint of gardeners) celebrates Ireland's wild monastic landscape with waterfalls, lakes, and an underground crystal garden.

The Living Legends are retired champion racehorses living out their golden years in the paddocks at the Stud. Famous residents include legendary names in Irish racing such as Hurricane Fly, Faugheen, and Beef or Salmon.

While you will get up close to stallions, mares, and foals along the paddock railings, this is a working breeding farm for elite thoroughbreds. For the safety of visitors and the animals, riding is not permitted, and touching is strictly supervised by staff.

By car, it takes about 45 minutes from Dublin via the M7 motorway (take Exit 13 for Kildare and follow the brown signs to R51 KX25), with a large free car park on-site. By public transport, take the train from Dublin Heuston to Kildare Town Station (35 mins) or the 726 Dublin Coach bus to Kildare Village.

Yes! Kildare Village luxury shopping outlet is located just 2 km (a 3-minute drive) from the Irish National Stud, and a complimentary shuttle bus runs between Kildare Village and the Stud.

Absolutely! Kids love watching the foals, exploring the magical Fairy Trail and outdoor adventure playground, and competing in the interactive games inside the Irish Racehorse Experience.

Yes, the Irish National Stud, the Irish Racehorse Experience, and the majority of the Japanese Gardens and St. Fiachra’s Garden are wheelchair and buggy accessible.

Yes, the on-site Japanese Gardens Café & Restaurant serves freshly prepared hot meals, soups, sandwiches, homemade scones, and coffee with outdoor terrace seating.

We recommend setting aside 3 to 4 hours so you have plenty of time to take the 45-minute guided tour, explore both gardens, and enjoy the Irish Racehorse Experience.

No printing is necessary! Simply present your digital entry ticket on your smartphone at the main reception desk upon arrival.

Yes, this ticket is fully flexible. You can cancel for a 100% refund or reschedule your visit to another date free of charge up to 24 hours before your planned visit.