Irish National Stud

Whether it's worth it depends on many factors: how much time you have in your overall Ireland stay, your budget, which direction you're traveling from/to, how keen you are on race horses, etc.

As a day trip out of Dublin, you could take a tour like this one https://gantours.ie/day-tours/national-stud-day-tour/ or this one https://www.daytoursireland.ie/kildare-tours-ireland.htm and see a variety of other points of interest on the same day.

Personally I've not been, but the reviews on TripAdvisor are overwhelmingly favorable https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g3673688-d318741-Reviews-Irish_National_Stud_Gardens-Tully_Kildare_County_Kildare.html

It depends on your interests. I went in May and it was pretty, despite the rain, and informative. The gardens were also lovely. The history of the grounds were intriguing, including the rationale for designing the stalls in a certain manner.

If you love horses, you will enjoy the National Stud. It's been years since I was there but I imagine it's much the same. The horse museum was interesting, especially if you know anything about Thoroughbred breeding (Nearco's legacy) and like displays of old and ancient tack. The August day we were there was sunny. The stallions were turned out in grassy paddocks and were fun to watch. Most of the mares and foals had gone home, but a few were out in pasture. We didn't bother to see the gardens. The trip was all about the horses.

We have visited NS twice and loved it. It is definitely all about the horses but the Japanese Garden is pretty. There is a tea room/cafe and gift shop of course.

I have zero interest in race horses but my cousins, who do, loved it. They thought it was beautiful and fascinating. I called her up to see what she said (though referring to it by another name I didn't recognize).....and it was "If you love horses yes....yes....yes!" She gets enthusiastic.

My wife's only thought on the Irish National Stud is that she can't decide between Dermot or Dave on TodayFM !!!!! :) :) :)

Thank you ALL for the good information. I am a horse "nut", but my husband and young adult son are less enthusiastic. I will definitely consider this stop along the way, time allowed. Thanks again for all the great feedback!

Yes Yes YES!!!!!

I've been more than once. It's an amazing place whether you like horses or not - it's the FIRST Japanese Garden in Europe! It's beautiful. The horses are a treat. It's fab... it was the #1 favorite tourist attraction in ireland until the Belfast Titanic Museum bumped it off last year.....

If you're in to horses, don't miss the NEW Fethard Horse Museum.... built partially by Andrew Lloyd Webber who has a stable/stud near by..... Fethard is a cute little village/town, too.....

Susan
Expat living in Waterville/Ring of Kerry