Wed 1 Jul 2026, 12:00am – 4:00pm
Away With The Fairies
Kildare Town
Category: Family / Outdoor Activities / Events & Festivals
Location: Irish National Stud & Gardens, Tully, County Kildare
Date: Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Time: 12:00 pm–4:00 pm
Price: Event activities are listed as free; standard venue admission may still apply
Best for: Fairy trails, imaginative play, nature, crafts and outdoor family activities
Overview
Step into a magical world of fairies, elves, gnomes and pixies during Away With The Fairies at the Irish National Stud & Gardens.
The event transforms the Fairy Village and woodland trail into an imaginative adventure filled with characters, stories, scavenger hunts, crafts, dancing and surprises. Visitors can explore a new walk-in Fairy House, meet Willow the Foal Fairy and Faunus the Pixie, and follow a trail through the gardens in search of magical ingredients.
Fairy House and character encounters
Explore the brand-new walk-in Fairy House and meet Willow, the gentle Foal Fairy who watches over the young foals at the Stud.
She is joined by Faunus the Pixie, a mischievous companion who brings plenty of fun and fairy magic to the day.
Tea with the Fairies
Join Willow and Faunus for a special Tea with the Fairies experience featuring stories, laughter and imaginative play.
The activity offers younger visitors the chance to meet the characters in a relaxed and playful setting.
Fairy Trail scavenger hunt
Collect a Fairy Trail Map and follow the woodland route in search of magical objects and clues.
Visitors will look for:
Tiny fairy footprints
Hidden magical rocks
Enchanted feathers
Other fairy-tale treasures
At the end of the trail, collected ingredients can be exchanged at the Fairy Ring for a miniature bottle of fairy dust.
Children who complete the scavenger hunt will also receive a special fairy badge.
Costume parade and fairy disco
Visitors are encouraged to arrive dressed as fairies, pixies, elves, gnomes or other magical characters.
The costume parade begins in the Fairy Village, follows the woodland trail and ends with a Fairy Disco and Dance Party.
Arts and crafts
Creative activities take place throughout the day, including:
Designing and making a fairy door
Painting a ladybird for the Ladybird Garden
Helping to grow Cleo the Caterpillar
Fairy-themed colouring and crafts
Visitors can also bring a brightly painted rock from home and add it to Cleo the Caterpillar in the Fairy Village.
Competitions
Prizes will be awarded for:
Best costume
Best fairy door
Best colouring entry
Competition arrangements and entry times should be checked with the organisers on arrival.
Nature and gardens
The event takes place within the grounds of the Irish National Stud & Gardens.
Along the woodland trail, visitors may also spot ducks, rabbits, squirrels and small birds. Nearby attractions include the Fairy Village, playground, picnic area, Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra’s Garden.
Other attractions
A visit can also include the Irish Racehorse Experience, where visitors can learn about the life of a racehorse, design racing colours, select a trainer and take part in interactive activities.
The wider attraction also includes the working stud, thoroughbred horses, gardens, children’s play areas and dining facilities.
Venue
The event takes place at:
Irish National Stud & Gardens
Brallistown Little
Tully
County Kildare
R51 AP20
Booking information
The event runs from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.
The event itself is advertised as free, but standard admission to the Irish National Stud & Gardens may still be required. Visitors should check the official booking page before travelling.
Advance booking is recommended, particularly during the summer season.
What to bring
Visitors may wish to bring:
A fairy-tale costume
A brightly painted rock for Cleo the Caterpillar
Comfortable outdoor footwear
Weather-appropriate clothing
A picnic blanket
Some activities take place outdoors, so prepare for changing weather.