Discover Naas: town history, parks and trails

Naas combines the town’s history with parks, walking trails and kayaking in the town centre. If you’re looking for a hotel in Naas, it helps to choose your priorities in advance: would you like to explore historic sites on foot, make time for green spaces or consider a two-hour kayak tour? The town offers different ways to enjoy each of these interests.

Town history on the Historic Trails

The Historic Trails of Naas lead through the town on foot and bring its local history to life. Naas Town Hall was built in 1854 and is a starting point for Historic Trail 1. The Old Railway Station is also one of the historic stops: it once welcomed travellers, including the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, who came to the Punchestown Races.

Lattin Almshouse on the Naas Historic Trail was once home to the long-established Lattin family, whose members included merchants, dancers and fiddlers. St David’s Church is associated with Jack Lattin’s burial place. A traditional dance, popular in Ireland and Scotland in the 18th century, is named after him. The Town Gates once served a different purpose: they helped control access to the walled town of Naas.

Kerdiffstown Park: art and trails

The Kerdiffstown Park Art Trail features 18 carved stones. Their themes range from the local landscape to Irish mythology, the folklore of the surrounding area and the more recent history of the Kerdiffstown landfill site. The trail ends at the park’s highest point, where three stones offer 360-degree views of the surrounding area.

Beyond the Art Trail, Kerdiffstown Park also has cycling and walking trails, playgrounds with safe play areas and modern outdoor fitness equipment. During your visit, you can make time for both the carved stones and other parts of the park. As individual facilities may change, check the latest information about the amenities before your visit.

Green spaces and walking trails

deBurgh’s Woodland Gardens is a historically significant 15-acre public park in Naas. Ancient woodland, walking trails and 18th-century water features define the park. Operating restrictions may change, so check the latest information before your visit.

The Lakes in Naas extends the old Naas Railway Walk. It offers opportunities to spot ducks, swans and other wildlife. Monread Park is a 12-hectare green space with walking trails, picnic tables, a playground and wildflower meadows that support pollinators and biodiversity. Oak Park lies on the Tipper River and has trails, a playground, and areas dedicated to biodiversity and pollinators.

Fairgreen has walking trails, picnic tables and seating, and forms part of the Naas Historical Trail. Ballycane has a playground and a large green space connected to the Naas Historical Trail and the Lakelands. The trails also differ in their routes: the Canal Walk starts at Naas Harbour and follows the Grand Canal; it is accessible and suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. The Railway Walk from Sundays Well to Ballycane is an accessible walking route in Naas.

Kayaking and horse racing

Naas Adventure Sports offers kayak trips through the centre of Naas. The two-hour tours are suitable for complete beginners, and all the necessary equipment is provided. This activity has a set time frame, unlike a walk on the town’s trails.

Naas Racecourse hosts National Hunt and flat racing. The racecourse is on the outskirts of Naas, just off the M7, and offers access to rail, bus and airport transfers. When planning your stay, you can match these different options—town history, green spaces, kayaking or horse racing—to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Calverstown, Clane, Moone, Ballitore, Carbury, Castledermot, Leixlip, Droichead Nua

For the wider travel overview: County Kildare.