Day 4 Cycling the 32 counties of Ireland - KILDARE
🚴🏾♂️ The Black Paddy Rolls into Kildare: Horses, Heritage & Holy Craic
What’s the story, Kildare?!
It’s your boy Fabu D, aka The Black Paddy, pedaling through the land of thoroughbreds, saints, and serious style. I’m still on my cycling tour around Ireland for Jigsaw, the charity helping young people mind their mental health—and Kildare? You’ve got heart, history, and horsepower.
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🧠 A Word on Jigsaw
Before we dive into the madness, let’s take a moment. Jigsaw is doing powerful work—giving young people across Ireland a safe space to talk, to be heard, and to get the support they need. Mental health isn’t just a buzzword. It’s real, it’s raw, and it affects all of us.
This cycle isn’t just about the scenery—it’s about showing up for those who feel unseen. If you’re struggling, know this: you’re not alone. There’s help, there’s hope, and there’s healing.
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🏇 First Impressions: Kildare’s Got That Thoroughbred Swagger
I rolled into Kildare with the wind in my helmet and Guinness Zero in my bottle cage. First stop? The Curragh, baby. Ireland’s flat racing HQ. I didn’t race the horses (they’d smoke me), but I did get a few nods from jockeys who looked like they were born in the saddle.
Then I hit up the Irish National Stud, where the horses are so fancy they probably have their own skincare routine. Right next door? The Japanese Gardens—peaceful, poetic, and perfect for a post-cycle chill. I walked through the garden and felt like I was in a Zen episode of Love Island.
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😂 Funny Kildare Facts (Because You Know I Love the Banter)
Alright, here’s some mad stuff I learned:
- Kildare’s nickname is “The Thoroughbred County”—because horses here are basically royalty.
- The county’s name comes from Cill Dara, meaning “church of the oak”, thanks to Saint Brigid who built her monastery under an oak tree.
- Kildare is home to Mondello Park, Ireland’s only international motorsport venue. So if you’re into speed, this county’s got you covered.
- The Hill of Allen is said to be the resting place of Fionn Mac Cumhaill. I climbed it and didn’t find Fionn, but I did find a crisp packet from 2003.
- Famous explorer Ernest Shackleton was born in Kildare. So technically, this county helped discover Antarctica.
- Kildare has three major rivers—the Barrow, the Liffey, and the Boyne. That’s a lot of water for one county.
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🎨 Castletown House: Georgian Grandeur & Ghostly Gossip
I swung by Castletown House in Celbridge, and let me tell you—it’s like Downton Abbey with Irish sass. Built in the 1720s, it’s the biggest Palladian-style house in Ireland. I asked a tour guide if it was haunted. She winked and said, “Depends who you ask.” I didn’t sleep well that night.
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🗣️ Chatting with Kildare Legends
You know me—I can’t resist a good chat. I met a man named Liam who breeds greyhounds and swears they’re smarter than politicians. I met a woman in Naas who told me she’s been to every Punchestown Festival since 1985. I asked if she’s ever missed one. She said, “Only for childbirth.”
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🚴🏾♂️ Cycling Through Kildare’s Heart
The roads here are smooth, scenic, and full of surprises. I passed through Newbridge, where the River Liffey flows like it’s on a spa day. I stopped at Donadea Forest Park, where the trees are tall, the trails are peaceful, and there’s even a 9/11 memorial tucked into the woods. It’s a place that makes you pause—and that’s powerful.
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🧘🏾♂️ Mental Health Moments: Kildare’s Quiet Strength
Kildare has a calm confidence. It doesn’t shout—it whispers. I sat by St. Brigid’s Well, sipping my Guinness Zero, and felt the weight of the world lift just a little. That’s what Jigsaw offers—space to breathe, to talk, to be.
If you’re a young person feeling overwhelmed, reach out. You deserve peace.
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🛏️ Kildare Hospitality: Westgrove Hotel Vibes
I stayed at the Westgrove Hotel in Clane, and let me tell you—this place is lush. Comfy bed, top-notch breakfast, and staff so friendly they made me feel like Beyoncé on tour. I asked for extra towels and got a motivational pep talk with them. Legends.
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💚 Final Thoughts & Shout-Outs
Kildare, you’ve been a dream. From racecourses to round towers, you’ve given me laughs, lessons, and a deeper appreciation for the quiet power of heritage.
To everyone who waved, cheered, or offered directions when I was clearly lost—thank you. To the horse who neighed at me like we were old mates—respect. To the county itself—keep galloping.
And to Jigsaw, the reason behind every mile: thank you for being the light in someone’s dark. You’re changing lives, one conversation at a time.
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💚 Thanks for coming along on the ride!
If you’d like to support the cause, here’s the link:
👉 https://www.idonate.ie/blackpaddytour
Until next time,
Stay strong, stay smiling, and mind your mental health.
— Fabu D, The Black Paddy
