Things to Do in Naas: Discover Kildare's Biggest Town

Naas has been the administrative capital of County Kildare since Norman times, but its history stretches back much further. The town's name comes from the Irish "Nás na Ríogh," meaning "Meeting Place of Kings," as it served as an ancient gathering site for the kings of Leinster. 

Unlike many Leinster towns that developed around monasteries, Naas grew as a political center first, giving it a distinctive layout centered around its wide main street.

Today's Naas balances its historical significance with modern development. It has a population of 26,810 and is Kildare’s largest town.

While nearby towns like Newbridge and Kildare town focus on outlet shopping, Naas invested in cultural venues and food experiences, creating a vibrant town center that locals from across Kildare flock to on weekends. 

Must-See Naas Attractions

Naas Racecourse

Kildare is horse country, and Naas Racecourse stands among the best tracks in Ireland. The course hosts over 15 race meetings annually, including the prestigious Naas November Handicap.

The guided tours offer insights into Irish horse racing culture even on non-race days. Plan for at least 3 hours on race day or 1 hour for a tour. Unlike the larger Curragh Racecourse nearby, Naas Racecourse offers a more intimate experience where you'll rub shoulders with local trainers and owners. 

Moat Theatre

Housed in a former church dating back to 1776, the Moat Theatre serves as Naas's cultural heartbeat. The 200-seat venue hosts everything from professional touring productions to local amateur dramatics. Allow 2-3 hours for performances, with the best seats typically in the center of rows G-K.

The theater runs a year-round program, but the January Theatre Festival draws the biggest crowds. While Newbridge has the Riverbank Arts Centre, locals know the Moat offers more intimate productions with post-show discussions where you'll meet the actors.

St. David's Castle

This medieval castle in the heart of town dates to the 12th century. Though privately owned, you can still admire its impressive stone walls and towers from the street.

The surrounding area offers excellent photo opportunities, especially at sunset when the stone glows amber. Allow 30 minutes to walk around the exterior. History enthusiasts often miss this gem while flocking to Kilkea Castle further south, but St. David's offers a more authentic glimpse into Norman construction.

Naas Town Hall and Former Courthouse

The impressive 19th-century building dominates North Main Street with its classical limestone façade. The building now houses council offices, but visitors can appreciate the architecture from outside.

Take 15 minutes to view the grand entrance and clock tower. Unlike Carlow's courthouse which underwent extensive modernization, Naas maintained more original features, making it a favorite among architecture students.

Naas Lakes and Harbor

A peaceful retreat just minutes from the town center, the man-made lakes feature walking trails, picnic areas, and abundant wildlife. Connected to the Grand Canal, this area offers serene water views most unexpected in a county town.

Visit in early morning (7-9am) to spot local wildlife, including herons and otters. Allow 1-2 hours for a leisurely walk. While Mullingar's Royal Canal greenway gets more attention, locals know Naas harbor offers better facilities and diverse walking routes for different fitness levels.

Round Tower Kildare

Though technically in Kildare Town (15 minutes drive), no visit to the area is complete without seeing this 6th-century monastic tower. Standing 32 meters tall, it's one of the best-preserved round towers in Ireland. Combine with St. Brigid's Cathedral next door, allowing 1-2 hours for both sites.

Visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds. The tower rivals Glendalough's in Wicklow but benefits from smaller visitor numbers and more accessible viewing angles.

Naas Hidden Gems

Palmerstown House Estate

Most tourists miss this magnificent country estate just outside Naas. The 18th-century mansion and 900-acre demesne offer stunning gardens, woodland walks, and occasionally host public events.

The estate was home to the Bourke family, who made their fortune in the Dublin brewing industry before purchasing this country retreat. Local knowledge: ask about the secret tunnel that supposedly runs from the main house to the nearby village, built as an escape route during troubled times.

Craddockstown Monastic Site

This unmarked ancient site contains the remains of a medieval church and graveyard. Located down a narrow country lane, you'll likely have it all to yourself. What makes it special is the Sheela-na-gig carving on one wall – an ancient fertility symbol rarely found outside major tourist sites. Few Kildare natives even know this exists, despite it being just 5 minutes from the M7 motorway.

The Leinster Aqueduct

Where the Grand Canal crosses the River Liffey, this impressive three-arch structure was considered a marvel of engineering when completed in 1789. Access is via a little-known path off the R411, and you'll rarely encounter other visitors. Local fishermen use this spot for bream and pike, and they'll tell you about the time in 1989 when the canal accidentally drained into the river below, sending hundreds of fish cascading down the structure.

The Fairy Bush

In the back corner of Naas's Town Park stands an ancient hawthorn tree that locals traditionally never disturb. According to town lore passed down through generations, the tree marks the spot where the kings of Leinster would make offerings before their assemblies. Even today, you'll notice the occasional ribbon or coin left as an offering. Council workers refuse to trim it, despite it occasionally blocking the path – a rare instance where ancient superstition overrides municipal planning.

Naas Events Calendar

Spring

Naas Easter Racing Festival (Easter weekend) - Three days of jump racing attracting Ireland's top horses and trainers. Locals tip: book the restaurant package in advance for the best experience combining racing and dining.

Naas Wild Food Festival (May) - A celebration of foraged and artisanal foods, with guided walks identifying edible plants around Naas Lakes. This event showcases Kildare's emerging status as a food destination and includes competitions between local chefs.

Summer

Naas Midsummer Arts Festival (June) - The town's streets transform with outdoor performances, art installations, and music. The Saturday night concert in the courthouse square is the highlight, featuring Irish folk and contemporary musicians.

Naas Medieval Fair (August) - Celebrating the town's Norman heritage with reenactments, craft demonstrations, and period food stalls around St. David's Castle. The sword fighting competitions draw competitive teams from across Leinster.

Autumn

Kildare Restaurant Week (October) - Naas serves as the epicenter for this county-wide celebration of local cuisine, with special menus and food tours. Participating restaurants offer unique tasting menus showcasing local producers.

Naas Hops and Harvest Festival (Late September) - Celebrating the growing craft beer scene, this event pairs local breweries with Kildare food producers. The blind tasting competition lets visitors vote alongside professional judges.

Winter

Christmas in Naas (December) - The town's light display is considered among the best in Leinster, with the illuminated canal harbor being particularly spectacular. The Christmas market features over 40 artisan producers every weekend in December.

Naas Burns Night (January) - A nod to the Scottish poet and the area's historic Scottish connections, featuring whiskey tastings, poetry readings, and traditional food at various venues throughout town.

Family Activities in Naas

Naas Adventure Centre

This indoor-outdoor facility offers activities for all ages, including climbing walls, zip lines, and archery. The center divides sessions by age group, making it perfect for families with children of different ages. The indoor section ensures fun regardless of Ireland's unpredictable weather. Allow 2-3 hours for a full experience, with advance booking recommended on weekends.

Lullymore Heritage Park

Located 20 minutes from Naas, this park combines education and entertainment with recreated ancient settlements, a pet farm, and extensive play areas. The biodiversity boardwalk through the bog is fascinating for both children and adults, explaining how this unique ecosystem shaped Irish history. Plan for a full day visit and bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas.

K Leisure

When rain strikes, this modern leisure center offers swimming pools with kid-friendly features, including slides and shallow play areas. The center also runs structured activities during school holidays, from swimming lessons to sports camps catering to ages 4-16. The family swim sessions on weekend mornings are particularly good value.

Naas Town Walk Treasure Hunt

Pick up the self-guided treasure hunt map from the tourist office and explore the town while solving clues and learning about local history. The route takes 60-90 minutes depending on your pace and how many ice cream stops you make. The hunt changes quarterly, so locals often repeat it with their children to discover new facts about familiar places.

Russborough House

Just 15 minutes from Naas, this magnificent Palladian mansion offers child-friendly tours focused on the "treasures and tales" of the house. The extensive grounds include a maze, fairy trail, and playground. The bird of prey center offers regular demonstrations that fascinate children and adults alike. Allow 3-4 hours to properly explore both the house and grounds.

Local Naas Business Highlights

Butt Mullins

This gastropub has been a Naas institution since 1912, balancing traditional charm with contemporary cuisine. Their Guinness casserole uses a family recipe unchanged for generations, while the upstairs restaurant offers more refined dining. The snug at the front bar is where local business deals are still sealed with a handshake. Signature dish: Kildare lamb cutlets with colcannon and redcurrant jus.

Swans on the Green

This artisan bakery and café has developed a cult following for their sourdough bread and Belgian chocolate brownies. Few realize that owner Mary learned her craft while working in Brussels' top patisseries in the 1980s. The café uses produce from their own garden outside town, varying the menu seasonally. Don't miss their Friday "baker's choice" specials, which sell out by noon.

The Candied Walnut

This low-key restaurant might be missed among Naas's more prominent eateries, but locals know it offers some of the best Sunday lunch in Kildare. Chef-owner James trained in France and brings those influences to Irish classics. Signature dish: Their duck confit with cherry sauce draws regulars from as far as Dublin.

McCormack's Pharmacy

McCormack specializes in natural and traditional remedies alongside conventional medicines, and it is not just any pharmacy. The owner, a qualified herbalist, offers free consultations and creates custom blends for everything from insomnia to skin conditions. Their exclusive "Curragh Balm," based on an old recipe used by racehorse trainers, has developed a following among athletes across Leinster.

Nook & Cranny

This independent bookshop specializes in Irish literature and local interest titles you won't find in chain stores. The basement level houses a remarkable collection of maps and books about Kildare, making it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. The shop hosts monthly readings by Irish authors, often featuring writers with Kildare connections before they achieve wider recognition.

Visit Naas

Naas offers a perfect balance of established attractions and hidden spots that even many locals haven't fully explored. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Kildare, while the town itself provides enough activities to fill several days. 

Whether you're interested in history, outdoor activities, cultural events, or simply experiencing authentic Irish town life, Naas delivers experiences that go beyond typical tourist offerings.

What sets Naas apart from other Leinster towns is how it maintains its distinct identity while embracing change. The historic core remains intact, but innovative businesses and cultural initiatives ensure the town stays relevant and vibrant. Visit once, and you'll understand why Kildare natives are so proud of their county town.

Check out our guide about things to do in Newbridge.