Overview
Nestled on Abbey Road in the heart of Naas, the Moat Theatre is one of County Kildare’s most vibrant cultural destinations. Housed in a restored stone building that once served as a post‑penal church, the venue offers a flexible 200‑seat black‑box studio, a fully equipped café, a dedicated visual‑arts gallery and, since 2019, a lively country market on Friday mornings. Its programme changes almost daily, catering to theatre lovers, music fans, art enthusiasts and anyone seeking a cosy break during a day of sightseeing.
History
The Moat Theatre’s roots lie with the Moat Club, founded in 1954 to provide Naas with facilities for drama and table‑tennis. In 1960 the club bought the former Christian Brothers school on Abbey Road, converting the upper rooms into a table‑tennis hall. Two years later the lower rooms became a modest 125‑seat theatre, officially opening as the Moat Theatre in 1963.
A major refurbishment in the early 2000s, funded by the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism and Naas Town Council, transformed the space into a state‑of‑the‑art, fully accessible 200‑seat studio. The €3.2 m renovation introduced retractable seating, a fly tower and modern backstage facilities while preserving the building’s historic stonework. The venue’s name honours the ancient motte that once hosted the Kings of Leinster, linking today’s arts centre to the region’s deep‑rooted heritage.
Facilities
The renovated theatre includes:
- A fly tower and retractable seating that allow rapid set changes.
- Two fully‑equipped rehearsal rooms for workshops and rehearsals.
- Separate male and female dressing rooms.
- A step‑free foyer that houses the café, bar and visual‑arts gallery.
- Wheelchair‑friendly seating and accessible restrooms throughout the venue.
What to See & Do
Live Performances
The Moat Theatre’s calendar is a kaleidoscope of artistic expression. Audiences can enjoy:
- Theatre productions – from classic dramas and contemporary Irish playwrights to in‑house youth shows.
- Musicals and concerts – full‑scale musical theatre, intimate acoustic sets and classical ensembles.
- Comedy and stand‑up – regular line‑ups of Irish and international comedians.
- Pantomimes and family shows – especially popular during the holiday season.
Special events include the Moat Performing Arts Carnival in mid‑June, showcasing local talent, and the Brigid 2025, Spirit of Kildare Festival, which featured a St Brigid’s Day performance at the venue.
Upcoming Events Snapshot (2026)
- Theatrics’ End‑of‑Year Showcase – a showcase of youth, intermediate and senior ensembles (26 Apr, 1 pm‑8 pm).
- Piper’s Hill College – Evening of Music & Song (28 Apr, 7 pm‑9 pm).
- John Forde – The Piano Man – tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel (30 Apr & 1 May, 8 pm‑10:30 pm).
- Celine Byrne – Songs of Inspiration & Hope (3 May, 8 pm‑10 pm).
The full programme is updated weekly on the Moat Theatre website. Tickets range from €10‑€30 plus a small booking fee.
Visual Arts and Exhibitions
The foyer doubles as a visual‑arts gallery, presenting rotating exhibitions of emerging and established Irish artists. Paintings, photography and mixed‑media pieces turn a coffee break into an impromptu art walk, encouraging visitors to linger and explore.
Café, Market & Bar
The on‑site café serves classic Irish coffee, sandwiches, soups, pastries and a selection of hot and cold meals, with free Wi‑Fi for visitors. It is a relaxed hub for pre‑show drinks, post‑performance discussions and community gatherings. Since 2019 the foyer hosts a country market on Friday mornings, where local producers sell crafts, baked goods and seasonal produce.
Community Workshops
Moat Theatre runs regular workshops for schools, youth groups and the wider community. Sessions cover acting techniques, stagecraft, movement, script‑writing and even technical backstage skills. Many workshops are free or offered at a reduced rate, reinforcing the venue’s role as an educational resource for Naas and the surrounding area.
Conferences & Corporate Events
Thanks to its flexible design, the Moat Theatre is a sought‑after venue for conferences, workshops and corporate functions. Two rehearsal rooms, separate dressing rooms and the ability to convert the auditorium into a conference hall make it suitable for board meetings, product launches and training sessions.
Getting Here
- Parking: A small on‑site car park sits directly beside the theatre; additional street parking is available on Abbey Road. Spaces are limited, so early arrival is advisable.
- Public transport: Naas is served by several Bus Éireann routes, notably the 120 and 121, which stop within a short walk of the theatre. The nearest train station is Naas (Kildare) on the Dublin‑Kildare line, a brief taxi ride away.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible facilities, including wheelchair‑friendly seating, accessible restrooms and step‑free entry to the studio/black‑box space.
Nearby Attractions
A visit to Moat Theatre pairs well with other Kildare highlights:
- Castletown House – a short 5‑minute drive north, this grand Palladian mansion offers guided tours, beautiful gardens and a café.
- Irish National Stud & Gardens – about 10 km south, perfect for a post‑show stroll among thoroughbred horses and landscaped grounds.
- Donadea Forest Park – a pleasant woodland walk just a few kilometres west of Naas.
Practical Information
- Location: Abbey Road, Naas, County Kildare (central town centre).
- Capacity: 200 seats (retractable seating allows stage re‑configuration).
- Opening hours: See openingHours field above; the café follows the same timetable, with the market operating on Friday mornings.
- Ticketing: Tickets can be purchased online via the Moat Theatre website or at the box office. Prices typically €10‑€30 plus a small booking fee; discounts are often available for seniors, students and families.
- Contact & Booking: For performance tickets, market hours, café opening times or event bookings, visit the Moat Theatre website or call +353 45 883 030.
Whether attending a gripping drama, browsing the latest art exhibition, sipping a coffee at the market or hosting a corporate meeting, the Moat Theatre offers a uniquely Irish cultural experience in the heart of Naas.