Naas is a charming town 35 kilometers away from Dublin. A county town in Kildare county, it is a popular weekend getaway and a day trip for city dwellers. With all the golf courses, racehorse tracks and gardens, there are surely many things to do in Naas to keep people entertained.
Things you'll find in this article
- 8 Best Things To Do In Naas, Ireland (For 2024)
- 1. Check out cool plants in Coolcarrigan House and Gardens
- 2. Buy local produce in Naas Farmers’ Market
- 3. Go back in time in Jigginstown Castle
- 4. Explore the Blessington Lakes
- 5. Appreciate the arts in Russborough House
- 6. Attend a show in Moat Theatre
- 7. Play golf in Naas
- 8. Make new friends in Stonebrook Pet Farm
- Looking for a place to stay in Naas, Ireland?
8 Best Things To Do In Naas, Ireland (For 2024)
1. Check out cool plants in Coolcarrigan House and Gardens
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Coolcarrigan House and Gardens is a popular wedding venue in Naas famous for its beautiful 6-hectare of the garden. The garden houses some of the rarest and unusual plants and trees in Ireland.
You don’t need to get married in order to enter Coolcarrigan and enjoy its expansive garden. You just need to go within their opening hours and they will allow you to enjoy the place. Because of the rarity of some of their shrubs and trees, the place is also quite famous from international gardening groups and dendrologists.
Operation Hours
9 am to 1 pm from February to August. You will need an appointment outside of these months.
Admission Fee
For the admission fee, contact the proper directly. You can reach them here or via the contact information below.
Contact Information
Address: Coill Dubh, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Email: rww@coolcarrigan.ie
Phone: +353 45 863 527
2. Buy local produce in Naas Farmers’ Market
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Naas Farmers’ Market is a once a week farmer’s market known for its fresh local produce. The market was established decade ago and is still true to their mission of providing only the fresh and best food selections in Naas.
If you want to sample the local delicacies and locally produce foods – then a trip to Naas Market is one of the best things to do in Nass on weekends.
Operation Hours
Saturday 10 am–3 pm
Contact Information
Address: Friary Rd, Naas East, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland
3. Go back in time in Jigginstown Castle
Jigginstown Castle is a 17th-century castle built in the late 1630s under King Charles I reign. It was considered the largest building in Ireland during that time. Thomas Wentworth, the Earl of Stafford built the castle so the King could reside in it during a royal visit to Ireland.
Now, there’s nothing left but ruins on this castle but it’s still worth a visit. Currently, the castle is a National Monument in Ireland.
Operation Hours
Open 24 hours
Admission Fee
Free
Contact Information
Address: Newbridge Road, Naas West, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland
4. Explore the Blessington Lakes
Although not part of Naas, Blessington Lakes is closed enough for a quick visit. It is only 20 minutes away from the town center. Located in Blessingtown town in County Wicklow, the lake is an active reservoir and an area for wild birds conservation.
The lakes were formed 50 years ago upon the building of Poulaphouca Dam and hydro-electric power station. Currently, it provides the Dublin region with electricity and water supply.
The reservoir is also the largest man-made lake in Ireland and it’s a great base for outdoor activities in the area. You can take your bike and enjoy the amazing landscapes within the area.
5. Appreciate the arts in Russborough House
Russborough House is another thing to do near Naas. Located in Blessington as well, this house is the longest house in Ireland with a frontage measuring at over 700 feet or 210 meters.
This Palladian style house is owned by Joseph Leeson, 1st Earl of Milltown and was built between 1741 to 1755. The house is famous for the owners’ extensive collections of artworks from world-renowned artists such as Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes, Sir Peter Paul Rubens, and Johannes Vermeer.
The house is also only located 20 km from Dublin and it can a good day trip from the city.
Operation Hours
Parkland
The Parkland at Russborough is open 7 days a week from 2nd January to 23rd December from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Guided House Tours
March: Mon-Sun 12 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. (on the hour) | Bank Holiday Weekend: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m (on the hour)
April: Mon-Fri 12:00 p.m – 3:00 p.m (on the hour) | Sat, Sun & Bank Holiday Monday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (on the hour)
May – September: 10:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m. (on the hour)
October: Mon-Fri 12:00 p.m – 3:00 p.m (on the hour) | Sat, Sun & Bank Holiday Monday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (on the hour)
November – December: Mon-Sun 12 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. (on the hour)
Admission Fee
Adult: €12.00
Senior – aged 60+: €9.00
Student with valid ID: €9.00
Children aged 6-16: €6.00
Children aged 5 and under: FREE
Family Special: (2 adults and up to 4 children, aged 6-16. Children 5 and under free)
Contact Information
Address: Blessington, Co. Wicklow, Ireland W91 W284
Email: info@russborough.ie
Phone: +353 (0)45 865239
6. Attend a show in Moat Theatre
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The Moat Theatre is a popular place for entertainment in Naas. They showcase local talents in theatre plays, musical concert, dance, and even stand up comedy.
If you want something different to do in Naas, attending one of the shows in Moat Theatre is a must.
Operation Hours
Tuesday to Friday from 11 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.
Admission Fee
You can check for rates and available shows here.
Contact Information
Address: Abbey St, Naas East, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland
7. Play golf in Naas
If you want to practice your swing, Naas has several golf courses that you can try. Among the popular golf courses and clubs are Craddockstown Golf Club, Millicent Golf Club, The K Club, Tulfarris Golf Club, and Naas Golf Club.
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8. Make new friends in Stonebrook Pet Farm
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Stonebrook Pet Farm is a local pet farm in a picturesque setting. It is an ideal spot for a family day out. So if you are visiting Naas with kids, taking a trip to meet the farm’s animals will surely make your kids’ day.
Aside from meeting the farm animals, the kids can also help collect eggs and feed the animals.
Operation Hours
Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm to 5 pm
Admission Fee
For the admission fee, please contact the property.
Contact Information
Address: Coghlanstown West, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Phone: +353 86 266 1720
Looking for a place to stay in Naas, Ireland?
Check out available hotels here.’