If you can draw yourself away from the ambience of the Clanard Court Hotel in Kildare you’ll find lots to see and do on the doorstep. This 4 star hotel can direct guests on a number of things to do in Kildare and numerous activities in the area and surrounding areas.  Just down the road from the hotel, Athy is a Heritage town, with a Heritage Centre in the town square which is home to a permanent exhibition to Ernest Shackleton, the Great Polar Explorer, a Castle and walks by the river and canal. Or why not cycle around the area with complimentary hire of bicycles available at reception including cycle routes in the area. There are lots of attractions  within easy travelling distance of the hotel that cater to all ages, a sample of which are detailed below…

Japanese Gardens & National Stud
Take a tour around the National Stud and enjoy the museum dedicated to the Irish Horse. The Japanese Gardens are a living monument to the meeting of Eastern and Western cultures in a Western setting. The symbolism of life the garden portrays traces the journey of a soul from Oblivion to Eternity and the human experience of its embodiment as it journeys by paths of its own choice through life. Café on site.

Kildare Village Outlet Shopping
Kildare Village is only 15 minutes from the hotel with a host of designer shops at outlet prices. Café, Restaurant and Children’s Playground on site. Clanard Court is one of the very finest Hotels Near Kildare Village Outlet and the ideal base for a shopping break!

Day at the Races
Enjoy a day at the races in the Curragh Racecourse or Punchestown Racecourse.  Click here to see information on Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival 2011

Golf
Clanard Court are affiliated to Cardenton House Athy Par 3 and Athy Golf Club is within walking distance of the hotel. Other golf courses in the area include Kilkea, Rathsallagh and Dumurray Springs.

Gardens & Walking
Take a stroll around the Heritage Town of Athy, enjoying the historic scenery and walking along the river Barrow. In Kildare Town Learn about the mythology of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and St Brigid, patroness of the Gaels. Key stops along the route include St Brigid’s Cathedral, a Norman tower house, the site of the Turf Club, and the twelfth century Franciscan Abbey. In Carlow take a walk in one of Irelands most romantic gardens, Altamont is an enchanting blend of formal and informal gardens located on a 100 acre estate. In Rathwood talk the train through the enchanted forest and later sample the delights of the Chocolate Factory.

Athy Tourist Map: Click here to download a Tourist Map of Athy Town and Surrounding Areas

Useful links: Click here for some useful links for local activities.