Newbridge, officially known by its Irish name Droichead Nua (pronounced [ˈd̪ˠɾˠɛçəd̪ˠ ˈn̪ˠuə]), is a town in County Kildare, Ireland.

[9] Noble and Keenan's map of Kildare 1752, drawn before the town was started, marks 'The New Bridge' in the vicinity of 'Old Connel'.

[10][9] A number of other places marked on this map, including Ballymany and Morristown Biller, are represented in the names of modern housing estates and streets.

[citation needed] Settlement in the area dates from the 13th century (with the foundation of Great Connell Abbey) and the current town is made up of six ancient civil parishes along with portions of others.

[4] The first bridge was destroyed by floods in 1789 and William Chapman, an engineer on the Grand Canal extension to Naas, was employed to rebuild it the following year.

[9] He moved the site from the 'Watering Gates' to its present location and redirected the high road from Buckley's Cross (roundabout at Pfizer) to the new bridge, and continuing as what is today Main Street and Edward Street to the turnpike at Gandogue Lane (behind the modern Credit Union building).

The old high road continued in use to serve the village and mass house, which was taken down in 1852 upon the opening of the new church (St Conleth's).

The origin of the modern town lies in the establishment of Cavalry Barracks (1815–1819) on land purchased from three local landlords: Eyre Powell of Great Connell, Ponsonby Moore of Moorefield and William Hannon of Kilbelin.

At the same time, Eyre Powell gave land north of the new high road for building houses and shops to serve the new Barracks.

St Conleth's is also home to a branch of the National College of Ireland, which offers a small number of "level-five" courses to Leaving Certificate students.

[28] The Kildare VTOS adult education centre is located in the town, and offers programmes to mature students.

[33] Ryston Sports and Social Club is located on Athgarvan Road and was originally set up for the staff of the Irish Ropes Factory.

[citation needed] Nearby (and within walking distance of the town) are the Curragh Plains, Moulds Bog (Roseberry), and Pollardstown Fen.

The Gables Guest House & Leisure Centre is located on Kilcullen Road and has a 20m swimming pool and gym.

[35] Newbridge is twinned with Bad Lippspringe (Germany), Ocala (Florida, United States, since 2008)[36] and Argentré-du-Plessis (France, since 2017).