New foals find their feet at Kildare's National Stud

Foaling season is now in full flow, bringing an unmistakable sense of excitement as mares welcome their 2026 foals to the Irish National Stud.

Visitors can witness the earliest moments of new life in the Sun Chariot Yard and Foaling Unit, where expert staff provide round the clock care, and then follow the journey of these young foals as they take their first steps into the world. In the Kildare Yard, paddocks are alive with the sight of foals learning to run, play and explore under the watchful eyes of their mothers, from confident, experienced broodmares to first time mums.

Spring is also a great time to experience the Japanese Gardens.

Families will find endless opportunities for adventure and imagination, from the Buglington Hotel and Fairy Trail to the Fairy Village, playground and picnic areas. For those seeking the thrill of horse racing, the award winning Irish Racehorse Experience offers Ireland’s only interactive journey through the life of a racehorse. Visitors can discover how racing began, watch the foaling process, explore a trainer’s yard, purchase and train their own racehorse, learn how horses are kept fit and healthy, and even take the reins in The Big Race on a state of the art racing simulator.

CEO Cathal Beale said: “Spring is without doubt my favourite time of year at the Irish National Stud. There’s nothing quite like watching the first foals of the season find their feet, take their first playful steps and bond so closely with their mums. Every morning brings something new — a new arrival, a new personality, a new spark of life in the paddocks — and it reminds all of us why this place is so special. Seeing visitors experience that same sense of wonder is one of the real joys of working here.”