Best Hiking Trails in County Kildare: A Local's Ultimate Guide

Discover the best hiking trails in County Kildare from ancient woodlands to vast boglands, with insider tips on lesser-known paths, family routes, and seasonal events that only locals know about.

Bryan Collins

25 Jun 2025 — 6 min read

County Kildare offers some of the most diverse hiking terrain in Leinster, from ancient woodlands to expansive boglands that have shaped the landscape for millennia. Unlike neighboring counties that boast higher elevations, Kildare's charm lies in its accessibility – most trails here provide remarkable ecological diversity without punishing ascents, making them perfect for hikers of all abilities.

The county's hiking routes follow ancient pathways that once connected monastic settlements during Ireland's golden age of saints and scholars. Many of these trails pass through lands that were central to the FitzGerald dynasty, one of the most powerful Norman families who controlled much of Leinster from the 13th century onward.

Must-Try Hiking Routes in Kildare

The Curragh Plains Loop

This 8km loop across Ireland's largest flat grassland takes you through terrain that has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years. The Curragh isn't just any grassland – it's a rare example of semi-natural grassland that has never been plowed, with unique plant species found nowhere else in Ireland.

Visitor Information: Best hiked in morning light (before 11am) when the dew still clings to the grass and the light plays beautifully across the plains. Allow 2-3 hours to complete leisurely. Unlike the regimented trails of Wicklow's Glendalough, the Curragh offers a sense of boundless freedom with fewer fellow hikers.

Donadea Forest Park Trails

Donadea offers three distinct waymarked trails through former estate woodlands: the 5km Lake Walk (red), the 6km Aylmer Walk (blue), and the 1.6km Nature Trail (yellow). The forest contains magnificent specimens of beech, Scots pine, silver fir, larch, and noble fir surrounding a picturesque lake.

Visitor Information: Best visited midweek as weekends can get crowded. The Lake Walk takes approximately 1.5 hours and offers the most varied scenery. The 9/11 Memorial, a scaled replica of the Twin Towers carved in limestone, provides a poignant stopping point.

Grand Canal Way

This towpath trail follows the historic Grand Canal linking Dublin to the Shannon. The Kildare section offers 32km of flat, easy walking from Hazelhatch to Robertstown, passing through Sallins, Prosperous, and numerous locks.

Visitor Information: Best split into sections – the 10km stretch from Sallins to Robertstown offers the most scenic portion, taking 2-3 hours. Spring and autumn provide the most pleasant walking conditions. While similar to the Royal Canal Way in Meath, Kildare's canal route features more intact original lock keeper's cottages and engineering features.

Killinthomas Wood

Located near Rathangan, this 200-acre mixed woodland offers over 10km of looped trails through native and exotic trees. The ancient woodland section contains oaks that have stood for centuries.

Visitor Information: May is the optimal time to visit when the forest floor transforms into a carpet of bluebells. The main loop takes approximately 1.5 hours. Visit early morning (before 9am) during bluebell season to avoid crowds.

Join Leinster Insider+

Hidden Hiking Gem

Moore Abbey Woods

These woods outside Monasterevin aren't on most tourist maps, but locals treasure the 5km of trails through mixed deciduous woodland. The ancient woodland is associated with the Moore family, Earls of Drogheda, whose estate once covered vast portions of the area.

According to local folklore, one massive beech tree near the eastern trail was planted by Queen Elizabeth I herself during her campaign against the Irish chieftains. While historically dubious, the tree (known locally as "The Queen's Beech") is indeed over 400 years old.

Event Calendar

Spring (March-May)

Dawn Chorus Day (Early May) – Early risers join ornithologists for pre-dawn walks in various Kildare woodlands to experience the extraordinary spring birdsong. The Donadea Forest event typically sells out weeks in advance.

Summer (June-August)

Bog of Allen Nature Centre Walking Tours (Weekly June-August) – Discover the wildlife and heritage of Kildare's boglands with guided walks by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council. Learn more at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre.

Summer Solstice Hill Walk (June 21st) – A local tradition involves hiking to the summit of Red Hill for sunset on the longest day. The informal gathering has grown larger each year, with musicians often bringing instruments for a celebratory session at the summit.

Autumn (September-November)

Kildare Harvest Walking Weekend (Late September) – Themed walks through farmland, orchards, and woodlands celebrating the county's agricultural heritage. The Straffan walk includes apple picking and cider making demonstrations.

Woodland Fungi Walks (October) – The Kildare Naturalists' Field Club organizes walks focused on identifying edible and poisonous fungi in Donadea and Killinthomas woods.

Winter (December-February)

St. Stephen's Day Hill Challenge (December 26th) – A local tradition where families walk off Christmas excesses with a hike up Kildare's highest points. Red Hill and Dunmurry Hill are the most popular.

Winter Wildlife Tracking (January) – Monthly guided walks teaching participants how to identify animal tracks and signs in the mud and occasional snow. Donadea Forest Park serves as the main venue.

Family Hiking Adventures

The Japanese Gardens & St. Fiachra's Garden Trails

The manicured paths through these world-renowned gardens at the Irish National Stud offer an easy introduction to walking for children. The adjacent St. Fiachra's Garden features a network of woodland paths and a series of nature-focused discovery points ideal for young explorers.

Age Suitability: Perfect for ages 3-12. The main loop takes about 1 hour, but plan for 2 hours with children as they'll want to explore the discovery points.

Lullymore Heritage Park Peatland Boardwalk

This 1.5km boardwalk introduces families to the fascinating biodiversity of Kildare's boglands. Interactive displays explain how the bog formed and how humans have interacted with it through the centuries.

Age Suitability: Suitable for ages 5+. The Biodiversity Boardwalk takes approximately 45 minutes.

Donadea Forest Fairy Trail

Created by local volunteers, this enchanting trail through a section of Donadea Forest features dozens of handcrafted fairy doors and miniature dwellings built into tree stumps and roots. Children are encouraged to leave small natural treasures at the fairy doors.

Age Suitability: Magical for ages 3-10. The 1km loop takes 30-45 minutes with young children.

Castletown House Estate Walks (All-Weather Option)

The 18th-century Castletown House features several kilometers of well-maintained woodland and riverside walks. For wet days, the estate includes a covered pathway connecting the main house to the restored farmyard, where children can participate in nature-themed crafts in the education room. Check out our list of things to do in Celbridre.

Age Suitability: Suitable for all ages. The main river loop is 3km and takes about 1 hour. Visit Castletown House website for opening times.

Local Business Highlights

Silken Thomas Pub, Kildare Town

After hiking the Curragh, locals head to "The Thomas" for their signature dish – slow-roasted Curragh lamb shanks served with colcannon. Paired with their exclusive Brigid's Ale (brewed specially for the pub by a local microbrewery), it's the perfect recovery meal.

The walls display fascinating photographs documenting the Curragh's military history and famous horse races, giving visitors insight into the plains they've just walked across.

The Final Word On Hiking In Kildare

Kildare's hiking trails offer something unique in Leinster – a perfect blend of historical depth, ecological diversity, and accessibility. From ancient pilgrim paths to expansive boglands, the county rewards hikers who take the time to explore beyond the obvious. Whether you're a serious trekker looking to conquer the county's modest peaks or a family seeking gentle woodland trails, Kildare's landscape invites discovery at your own pace.

Remember that many of these trails cross working farmland – always stick to marked paths, close gates, and respect both the environment and those who make their living from it. The real magic of hiking in Kildare comes from connecting with the land's stories – so take time to chat with locals you meet along the way. They'll often point you toward hidden viewpoints and secret spots that no guide can capture.

Now, check out our guide about things to do in County Kildare.

🎯 For Locals

Want more hidden gems, ready-made weekend plans & insider picks? Order one of these quick upgrades (coming soon):

📍 Weekend Itinerary Packs – Themed trips with maps, food stops & hidden gems. (e.g. Romantic Wicklow, Rainy Day in Dublin)
📍 Hidden Gems by County – Bonus picks not in this guide, organized by region.