County Kildare – Saint Brigid's 'Church of the Oak'
County Kildare takes its name from the town of Kildare, in Irish Cill Dara, the 'church of the oak'. The town is closely linked to Saint Brigid, one of Ireland's patron saints, who founded an important monastery there; her memory and traditions remain a central part of local identity to this day.
Over the centuries Kildare lay close to the heart of Leinster and to Dublin, and its open plains, especially the Curragh, have long been associated with horses and horse racing. Today the county is one of Ireland's fastest-growing, home to nearly 250,000 people, combining historic towns with busy commuter communities. Do you have a Kildare story, legend or family memory? Share it with the community!