Irish home of cutlery and kings
IT may only be October but as I was driving down to Kildare last week the news on the radio sent out the scary headline that there’ll be a scarcity of gifts on the shelves for Christmas. After spending a lovely overnight in Kildare I’m no longer concerned — as I stopped off at Newbridge Silverware Showrooms.
Newbridge Silver is owned and run by the Doyle Family and they have employed local crafts people for over 90 years with some staff in the company for over 40 years. Originally a tableware manufacturer, the company started to design and make beautiful silver jewellery in the 1980s as an innovative way of using off-cuts from the cutlery.
Newbridge Silverware has a permanent Christmas shop on site making the most delightful tree and house decorations starting at €15. The gifts range has evolved to include candles, advent calendars and beautiful glassware. The company is doing its bit for the environment too with a special preloved section selling magnificent second-hand china in perfect condition.
Dominic Doyle has created a gorgeous food emporium which includes an outdoor marquee, making the perfect setting for a delicious afternoon tea. Although the factory tour is still closed due to restrictions the stunning Museum of Style Icons is open. Clothes worn by Marilyn Monroe, Lady Diana, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly all feature behind the glass casing and some will take your breath away. Entry is free. newbridgesilverware.com
If you don’t get all your shopping done at Newbridge then Kildare Village is only a short drive away and now you can avail of their fabulous personal shopper assistance, tbvsc.com/kildare-village.
I met up with a couple of big sporting names in Kildare and while I was giving one of them a carrot the other nudged him out of the way. Unusual behaviour for men perhaps but not the two thoroughbreds Hurricane Fly and Kicking King, who spend their days in the idyllic setting of The National Stud.
David Wardell, the manager, showed me around a cornucopia of delights while telling me about the fascinating history of William Hall Walker who started the stud in 1900.
David took me through the entire process of horse racing at the recently opened Irish Racehorse Experience. It’s great family fun and good value too at an additional €5 per visitor, irishnationalstud.ie
The Japanese Gardens are another gift of Hall Walkers who hired Tassa Eida to design and plant the garden between 1906-10. The Brigidine Sisters hold a special place close by and offer budget accommodation for those looking for a retreat in one of their three hermitage lodges.
A range of spiritual events are run all year to find out more see solasbhride.ie
I stayed at the K Club with my son, Mark, and we made the most of the fabulous gym and pool facilities before heading to the new outdoor dining at the Palmer Clubhouse and had cocktails at a table that combined as a firepit. This is a stunning addition to the K Club and Tony the concierge gave us a lift back to the main hotel afterwards as my tummy was rather full after the delicious Lemon Sole main.
Next morning Mark was excited to try the new virtual facility at K Golf World with options to play courses all over the world. Golf Pro Gary Murphy explained this game changing facility to us that helps players improve their technique. It’s now open to the public from €40 per hour, see kclub.ie
Also in Kildare, gorgeous Barberstown Castle is open for guests with a lovely offer this October for an overnight stay from €165 pps and if you book through irelands-bluebook.ie they will enhance your stay with a bottle of Prosecco and chocolates on arrival. You can live like a king in classy Kildare and I’ll finish off the Christmas shopping there too.
For more information see intokildare.ie or thenoveltraveller.com