The Steam Museum Kildare

The Steam Museum in Kildare is a perfect destination for a family outing. Housed, appropriately, in a church which once stood in the Inchicore railway works. Inside the museum, there’s a fine collection of models of steam locomotives, including two used in the late 19th century by the Great Northern Railway.

The museum also has a fine selection of steam engines used for industrial propulsion, including a huge beam engine used in the Midleton whiskey distillery in County Cork, a pumping engine employed in Jameson’s distillery in Dublin, and a large beam engine installed in Smithwick’s brewery, Kilkenny, in 1847. A Cornish boiler and several small engines are on show.

The Entrance Shop sells items of steam and garden interest, and the Steaming Kettle Teahouse can provide coffee/tea and a light lunch if booked in advance.

At The Steam Museum they will run guided tours on request.

Lodge Park Walled Garden

The 18th Century walled garden adjoining Lodge Park has been under restoration for the last few years and the old brick-faced walls are clothed with climbers, fruit trees and roses. The newly restored greenhouse contains an interesting collection of unusual plants from all over the world. Outside a small pond is surrounded by beds of colourful annuals. Nearby there is an area where plants are for sale.

Wander through the walled garden, with its magnificent North South reflecting border, and then visit the adjoining Steam Museum, Steaming Kettle Tea House and Gift Shop to make for an enjoyable summers afternoon.