Fun Things to do Around Naas While Staying with Us!
Naas is a charming little town and a popular weekend getaway destination for many. Between golf courses, racecourses, shops, theatre, hiking trails, cycles and gardens, there are lots of ways to enjoy the town and its surrounding areas. We have compiled a list below of our favourite things to do while staying with us at Lawlors of Naas!
A visit to Kildare's shops, restaurants, walks, gardens and golf courses is always fun and can only be made better by a day at the races, we are the home of the thoroughbred and all things equestrian. Naas Racecourse is a fabulous racecourse in Naas town. walking distance from Lawlor's of Naas, and we mean only 10 minutes walk from our front door. The course stages both Flat racing and National Hunt racing and in January Lawlor's sponsors the Grade 1 race. Formed in 1922, Naas Racecourse hosts 18 race meetings as well as events of all kinds including family fun days, summer BBQ evenings, live music from time to time and ladies' days on race days throughout the year. Lawlor's offers a race and stay package with Naas racecourse that includes your entrance tickets.
The Moat Theatre is a theatre and arts centre based in Naas. It has been described as ‘A little theatre with a big heart’, it holds various events year-round such as Art, Comedy, Drama, Musicals, Drama Lessons, Summer Camps, workshops, weekly Country Market and monthly Art & Craft Market - all under one roof.
Barge trip along the Grand Canal
Sallins is the site of the Bargetrip.ie team with cruises along the Canal of varying times with lots of local history and interesting facts about the Grand Canal from your captain. Sallins is a 7-minute drive from Lawlor's or a 30minutes walk. The Leinster Aquaduct is a popular route with an option to visit the Kildare brewing company afterwards.
Kildare tip: The team at Bargetrip also offers a bike hire service
Russborough House, just a 15-minute drive from Naas Town Centre, is a stately house owned and operated by the Alfred Beit Foundation, a private charitable organisation and is situated near the Blessington Lakes in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is regarded as one of the finest great houses in Ireland as it boasts a collection of paintings, furniture and decorative arts inside this magnificent house surrounded by demesne landscape, gardens, and ancillary buildings. Walkers and Gardeners also love visiting Russborough with short walks around the estate and visiting the well-maintained walled gardens, don't forget to check your orientation skills with a visit to the Maze.
Local tip: If you are looking for a beautiful walk along that includes views of the Blessington Lakes, the Blessington Greenway is just across the N81 from Russborough House.
Coolcarrigan House and Gardens
Coolcarrigan is a ‘hidden oasis’ on the edge of the Bog of Allen, with a magnificent 15-acre garden full of rare trees at the end of a long avenue. Coolcarrigan House is a Georgian house built in the 1830s and was originally used as a shooting lodge, it is perfect for an afternoon stroll.
On beautifully landscaped grounds, Kildare Village is the perfect luxury shopping destination, just 15-20 mins drive from Naas. There are over 100 boutiques from designers like Levi’s, Mulberry, Polo, Armani, Calvin Klein, and many more - all offering up to 60% off retail price! There is a fab Italian restaurant that offers breakfast and lunch along with Starbucks.
Bag a bargain tip: Guests staying in Lawlor's receive an additional VIP discount which they can sign up for when they check-in. We also have exclusive discounts at some of Naas town's award-winning boutiques so you get to go boutique chic and designer daring in one visit.
The Curragh Racecourse or just simply ‘The Curragh’ -- is one of Ireland's most well-known Thoroughbred racecourses. It is situated on the Curragh plain in County Kildare, between the towns of Newbridge and Kildare - just 15 mins from Naas Town. Racing enthusiasts can book a behind-the-scenes tour with the team on non-race days.
Kildare tip: The Curragh plains are also one of the most beautiful open spaces to visit for hikes
McCauley Place
McCauley Place is a popular meeting place for the people of Naas. Open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday, the Convent Tea Rooms offer a tasty breakfast, lunch, or just a snack. The Community Centre at McAuley place is a spot where people gather for various social events or recreational activities.
The Arts and Culture Centre was once a Nuns’ Chapel in the convent building at McAuley Place. The inside walls and ceiling have been restored and the original organ returned to its former glory.
Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
The Irish National Stud is a Thoroughbred horse breeding facility in Tully, Kildare, County Kildare, Ireland. It was established in 1946 as a thoroughbred horse breeding facility. It is home to the most magnificent horses & glorious gardens - at just 20 mins away it is definitely worth the trip from Naas Town!
Kildare tip: A new experience "The Irish Racehorse Experience" is available for visitors in 2022, this fully immersive experience takes you through the journey of a racehorse from breeding to racing and you get to select, breed, train and ride your virtual horse, not to be missed.
Punchestown Racecourse, established in 1824, is located just outside Naas Town. It is a famous Irish racecourse as the April festival sees the culmination of the National Hunt season and attracts some of the best horses from across Europe. Punchestown is popular locally as a safe space for walks and is the site of large trade shows and events. This racecourse is only 7 minutes drive from Lawlor's.
Kildare tip: During the Punchestown festival, a bus leaves Poplar Square just outside the hotel and takes racegoers to and from the races.
