Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens, Tully (County Kildare)

• Some of the best horses in Ireland a stabled and bred here.
• Museum details the history of the stud and of horsebreeding in general.
• Two distinct landscaped gardens offer very good walks.

• Not a "petting stud", which might be a disappointment for children.

• Established in 1900, bequeathed to the British Crown in 1915 and today state property.
• Horsebreeding was started under "scientific" control - involving casting horoscopes and allowing moonlight into the stables.
• Horses are numerous but may be in secluded paddocks.

Established in 1900 by Colonel William Hall-Walker according to "scientific principles" (which included astrology and lots of moonlight), the stud was signed over to the British Crown in 1915 and upon independence became the Irish National Stud. Today it basically consists of three areas of interest:

• TheIrish National Stud
  This includes the museum, stables, several paddocks, (some quite secluded) and obviously horses. But only occasionally will you be allowed to have close encounters with the horses, they are simply too valuable to risk anything. If you are travelling with children warn them that close encounters may not be on the agenda.
• TheJapanese Gardens
  Created in 1906 by Tassa Eida and his son son Minoru this is a genuine Japanese garden laid out according to philosophical principles. Best enjoyed very early or outside the season as too many other visitors will detract from the spiritual aspects.
• St. Fiachra's Garden
  On four acres of woodland you will find an Irish garden with native plants and beautiful walks. Some (not absolutely authentic) monastic cells and Waterford Crystal provide the link to St. Fiachra, whose statue can be found in a lake. He is the patron saint of gardeners and also helps those struck down with sexually transmitted diseases.

Plan to stay a few hours if you want to experience all three parts.