Naas – County Kildare’s Vibrant Market Town

Overview

Naas (Irish: Nás na Ríogh – “meeting place of the kings”) is the administrative heart of County Kildare and the largest town in the county with a 2022 population of 26,180. Situated just 30 km southwest of Dublin, it sits on the historic Cork‑Dublin route (the N7/R448) and is a gateway to the famed equestrian and golfing landscape of the Irish midlands. The town blends a lively retail centre, a thriving arts scene, and a wealth of historic sites, making it an ideal base for day‑trippers and longer stays alike.

History

The name Naas appears in three Irish forms, all referring to a royal assembly place. Mythology links the name to Nás, a wife of the deity Lugh, whose burial on Moat Hill gave the town its early significance. From the 12th‑century Norman invasion the town was fortified; a walled market town emerged in the Middle Ages, with town walls erected around 1415 to protect against raids from the O’Byrne and O’Toole clans of Wicklow.

Royal charters were granted by Henry IV in 1409 and later by Elizabeth I in 1568, establishing Naas as a corporate borough with a mayor, tolls, and a court system. The town briefly hosted sessions of the Irish Parliament in the 15th century. The Battle of Naas (24 May 1798) saw a rebel force of about 1,000 defeated in the town’s streets.

Key historic structures include:

• St David’s Castle – a 13th‑century Norman tower, now a fortified 18th‑century house.
• St David’s Church (Church of Ireland) – first mentioned in the 13th century.
• Church of Our Lady and St David (Roman Catholic) – built 1827.
• Jigginstown Castle – a 17th‑century unfinished mansion of Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford, whose ruins lie on the town’s outskirts.
• The Grey Abbey – a 13th‑century Franciscan monastery whose stone arches still stand.

What to See & Do

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

• Moat Theatre & Café – a 200‑seat venue on Abbey Road offering drama, comedy, live music and a café. Box office: +353 45 883 030. Website
• Naas Country Market – held every Friday in the Moat Theatre, showcasing locally produced crafts, fresh produce and artisanal foods.
• Naas Farmers Market – operated by Kildare County Council with a rotating roster of food stalls, bakeries and food trucks.
• Imagination Station – Ireland’s only sustainable art‑craft school for children, located in the Waterways complex, Sallins.
• Playbarn Johnstown and Jungle Den – indoor play centres perfect for rainy‑day family fun.

Historic & Outdoor Attractions

• Naas Harbour – a tranquil Grand Canal basin with restored stone buildings, benches and tow‑path walks. Ideal for a coffee break while watching narrowboats.
• Old Railway Walk – follows the disused Naas‑Sallins line through Lakelands, offering benches, wildlife spotting and a glimpse of railway heritage.
• Perpetual Motion (Naas Ball) – a 3‑metre stainless‑steel sphere at the N7/N9 junction, a beloved piece of public art that appears to rotate as you drive past.
• Monread Park and Naas Park – spacious green spaces with modern playgrounds, outdoor gym equipment and walking trails.
• Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park – a 30‑minute drive away, offering boardwalks, mini‑golf and a fairy‑village for families.

Sport & Leisure

• Naas Racecourse – located a short walk from town centre, it hosts 15 race meetings each year, mixing flat and National Hunt racing. The venue also offers function rooms for private events.
• Punchestown Racecourse – just south‑west of Naas, home to the Heineken International Three‑Day Eventing Championships and the National Hunt Festival.
• Naas Golf Club – a historic 9‑hole course (now 18) founded in 1896, with redesigned water‑feature holes and a full‑service restaurant, Bliss Cuisine.
• Mondello Park International Motor Racing Circuit – Ireland’s premier motor‑sport venue, a short drive from the town centre.
• Naas GAA, Rugby, Hockey and Cycling clubs – provide opportunities to watch or join local matches and rides.

Shopping & Dining

South Main Street and the town centre host a mix of high‑street retailers, boutique shops and supermarkets. Newhall Retail Park (3 km west) adds larger chain stores, while the nearby JYSK outlet opened in 2019. Restaurants range from traditional Irish pubs (e.g., O’Connor’s, Tommy Fletcher’s) to contemporary eateries such as Regatto’s, Rustic and Amaya Fusion.

Nearby Attractions & Day Trips

Naas makes an excellent base for exploring some of County Kildare’s most popular sites, all within a short drive:

• Irish National Stud – world‑renowned thoroughbred breeding farm and museum, set in beautiful parkland just 5 km north of town.
• Carton House – a grand Georgian mansion surrounded by award‑winning golf courses and a luxury hotel, ideal for a leisurely lunch or a round of golf.
• Donadea Forest Park – 2 km east of Naas, offering woodland walks, a historic castle ruin and a playground.
• Hill of Allen – a mythic summit with panoramic views and an ancient tower, perfect for a short hike.
• Bog of Allen – extensive peatland with boardwalks and wildlife spotting opportunities for nature enthusiasts.

These attractions can be reached by car or by using the well‑connected bus services that run through Naas.

Practical Information

Getting There

• By road: The N7 (R448) links Naas directly to Dublin (≈30 min) and the M7 provides access to Limerick, Cork and Waterford. Junction 9a of the M7 opened in 2021, improving connections to Clane and the Sallins Bypass.
• By rail: Naas itself no longer has a passenger station; the nearest is Sallins & Naas on the Dublin‑Cork line, with hourly services to Dublin Heuston. Inter‑city connections require a change at Kildare.
• By bus: Go‑Ahead Ireland route 126 runs every 30 minutes from Dublin Docklands to Naas and on to Newbridge. Dublin Coach 726/N7 (“The Green Bus”) and JJ Kavanagh routes 139/826 also serve the town, providing links to Dublin Airport and surrounding towns.
• By air: Dublin Airport is reachable via the N7/N9 corridor; shuttle buses run directly to Naas on race days.

Parking & Accessibility

• Town‑centre car parks are free on‑site and located near the Main Street and the Moat Theatre. The Naas Racecourse car park offers ample space on race days and is wheelchair‑accessible.
• The Grand Canal tow‑path is level but lacks a continuous sidewalk; the Old Railway Walk is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Opening Hours & Fees (selected attractions)

Health & Safety

Naas General Hospital provides emergency services and a range of outpatient clinics. Pharmacies and medical centres are scattered throughout the town centre.

Connectivity

5G coverage is provided by Eir and Three; 4G by Vodafone. Free Wi‑Fi is available at the newly opened Naas Public Library (Harbour View) and at most cafés.

Useful Contacts

• Moat Theatre Box Office: +353 45 883 030
• Naas Racecourse: +353 45 822 222 (general enquiries)
• Naas Golf Club: +353 45 822 333
• Town Hall (Kildare County Council): +353 45 822 444

When to Visit

The racing calendar peaks from April to October, with the Punchestown National Hunt Festival in April and the flat‑racing season running through summer. Summer also brings outdoor concerts at the racecourse and bustling markets. For a quieter experience, explore the historic sites and parks in the shoulder months of May and September.

Naas offers a compelling mix of history, sport, shopping and natural beauty. Whether you’re cheering at the races, strolling along the Grand Canal, or catching a play at the Moat Theatre, the town’s warm hospitality and convenient location make it a must‑see stop on any Irish itinerary.