The Irish National Stud, Museum, Japanese & St Fiachra's Gardens

The world famous Japanese Gardens are situated 45km south of Dublin off the R415 in the estate of The Irish National Stud at Tully just outside Kildare town. The gardens were created between 1906-1910 by the owner of Tully Estate Col. William Hall-Walker. They were laid out in their paths of beauty by the Japanese gardener Tassa Eida and his son Minoru, and have been carefully preserved as one of the gems of Ireland’s Heritage. The gardens symbolise the ‘Life of Man’ from the cradle to the grave. St. Fiachra’s Garden was created in 1999 to celebrate the Millennium. There are 4 acres of woodland and lakeside walks. The centre of the garden is dominated by fissured limestone Monastic cells which feature handcrafted Waterford Crystral rocks and plants such as ferns and orchids. Guided tours are given of the Irish National Stud which is home to some of Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds. There is also a Horse Museum housing the skeleton of the legendary Steeplechaser "Arkle". One admission covers all three attractions.