Post by yomamathecableguy on May 8, 2009 16:43:39 GMT -5
The Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens, located in Tully (County Kildare), is a wonderful place to visit. The horses are magnificent and the gardens are extraordinary. This may not be among Ireland’s top visitor attractions, but I would suggest this place to anyone who enjoys horses or unusual gardens.
The National Stud houses a museum, a stable, and many paddocks (although there are some that are secluded). Here you will find some of Ireland’s most impressive thoroughbreds. Many of the horses are secluded because of their value so be warned you may not have close encounters with the horses. The museum tells of Ireland’s long-time love of horse racing. There are some interesting artifacts here.
The Japanese Gardens has to be among the most unique gardens I’ve ever had the pleasure to visit. The gardens were created between 1906 and 1910 by Colonel William Hall-Walker (Lord Wavetree) and laid out by the Japanese Elda and his son Minoru. The gardens have international recognition and are seen as the finest Japanese Gardens in Europe. Each section of the garden is named and symbolizes the “Life of Man”.
Saint Fiachra’s Garden is also nice. This was created in 1999 to celebrate the Millennium and was dedicated to St. Fiachra, Patron Saint of Gardeners. This garden uses the beauty of rock and water to capture the beauty of Irish landscape. There are underground passages, which were quite interesting and fun to explore.
Don’t forget to visit the gift shop. I found so many unique things here! And unlike many gift shops I’ve been to, their prices are quite reasonable. There is also a restaurant that serves a variety of foods. If you want to bring a picnic, there are tables here as well.
The National Stud is open daily from February until December. Gates open at 9:30 and close at 5:30. The car park closes promptly at 6:30. Admission prices are 11 Euro for adults and 6 Euro for children. For more information, visit www.irish-national-stud.ie/
Shannon Guess
The National Stud houses a museum, a stable, and many paddocks (although there are some that are secluded). Here you will find some of Ireland’s most impressive thoroughbreds. Many of the horses are secluded because of their value so be warned you may not have close encounters with the horses. The museum tells of Ireland’s long-time love of horse racing. There are some interesting artifacts here.
The Japanese Gardens has to be among the most unique gardens I’ve ever had the pleasure to visit. The gardens were created between 1906 and 1910 by Colonel William Hall-Walker (Lord Wavetree) and laid out by the Japanese Elda and his son Minoru. The gardens have international recognition and are seen as the finest Japanese Gardens in Europe. Each section of the garden is named and symbolizes the “Life of Man”.
Saint Fiachra’s Garden is also nice. This was created in 1999 to celebrate the Millennium and was dedicated to St. Fiachra, Patron Saint of Gardeners. This garden uses the beauty of rock and water to capture the beauty of Irish landscape. There are underground passages, which were quite interesting and fun to explore.
Don’t forget to visit the gift shop. I found so many unique things here! And unlike many gift shops I’ve been to, their prices are quite reasonable. There is also a restaurant that serves a variety of foods. If you want to bring a picnic, there are tables here as well.
The National Stud is open daily from February until December. Gates open at 9:30 and close at 5:30. The car park closes promptly at 6:30. Admission prices are 11 Euro for adults and 6 Euro for children. For more information, visit www.irish-national-stud.ie/
Shannon Guess