Friends, craving green lanes and low-stress days without straying far from Dublin? Naas, 35 km southwest, swaps city buzz for canal paths, grand houses, playful gardens, and lakeside views.

This guide trims the guesswork with costs, timing, and smart tips so you can spend more time exploring and less time planning.

Getting There

By car, follow the M7 (40–50 minutes off-peak; allow more at rush hour). Train from Dublin Heuston to Sallins & Naas takes ~30 minutes; add a 10-minute taxi or bus into town ($12–$18). Return rail fares typically run $10–$18.

Town Strolls

Start with Naas’s signed heritage loop. It threads past the 1792 Town Hall and a neoclassical courthouse (1807). For a slower pace, walk the 18th-century Grand Canal towpath—flat, stroller-friendly, and photo-ready. Cost: free. Time: 60–120 minutes. Bring a light jacket; breezes carry along the water.

Saturday Market

From 10:00–15:00, the Naas Farmers’ Market fills a courtyard with seasonal veg, cheeses, baked treats, preserves, and fresh lunches. Entry is free; budget $10–$20 per person to graze. Expect occasional live music and family activities. Tip: arrive before noon for the best selection and easier parking.

Blessington Lakes

A 20-minute drive lands you at Ireland’s largest reservoir, ringed by the Wicklow foothills. Cruise the Lake Drive loop for constant viewpoints, then stretch your legs on the waterside greenway. Casual boat hire starts around $30–$60 per hour in season; anglers target pike (permits required). Sunsets here are superb.

Russborough House

Overlooking the lakes, this Palladian masterpiece (1740s–50s) pairs art-filled rooms with detailed 18th-century stucco. Guided tours (March–December) cost ~$18 adults/$10 children; allow 60–90 minutes. Outside: a beech maze, walled garden, café, and walking trails. Book weekend tours ahead in summer.

Coolcarrigan Gardens

On selected open days (spring–autumn), wander eight hectares of arboretum, ponds, and a wildflower meadow at a Georgian estate. Entry is usually $10–$14. Look for an 1880s stone outbuilding inscribed in Gaelic and long avenues of unusual trees. Surfaces can be grassy—wear waterproof shoes after rain.

Moat Theatre

This intimate 200-seat venue runs near-nightly programs: drama, music, comedy, and family shows. Tickets typically $15–$35. In mid-June, the Performing Arts Carnival adds outdoor fun for kids. Check listings and book ahead for prime weekend seats.

Mondello Park

Ireland’s international motorsport circuit sits 10 km north. Spectator tickets for club racing are often $12–$25. Fancy the driver’s seat? Track days ($150–$300) let you bring your own car, while pro “experience” sessions in race or performance cars start around $250. Helmets provided; pre-booking essential.

Greens & Tees

Five courses lie within a short drive: The K Club, Tulfarris, Millicent, Craddockstown, and Naas Golf Club. Expect weekday green fees from $40–$70 at local courses; premier venues can exceed $85 (early-bird slots are cheaper). Rental clubs $20–$40. Reserve tee times in advance during summer.

Canal Biking

Prefer wheels to walking? Cycle the Grand Canal’s flat towpath from Naas toward Sallins and beyond. Bring your own bike or rent locally (from roughly $20–$30 per day). Pack water, sunscreen, and a small repair kit; cafés along the route make easy pit stops.

Horseback Time

Local centers offer beginner lessons and guided treks across gentle countryside. Typical rates: $35–$60 per hour for lessons; $50–$90 for treks. Age limits and boots apply; helmets are provided. Book school-holiday slots early, especially for younger riders.

Lullymore Park

In the heart of the Bog of Allen, Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park blends boardwalk nature trails with hands-on exhibits about peatland wildlife and human history. Expect indoor/outdoor play zones and mini-golf. Open daily most of the year, 10:00–17:00. Tickets ~$15–$20 adults/$12 children; family bundles available.

Hunting Brook

Open April–October, these hillside gardens mix exotic planting with woodland paths and a Bronze Age standing stone. Entry around $10; workshops run seasonally. Paths are uneven in parts—wear good footwear. Photographers love the layered planting and valley views.

Kildare Maze

Tackle Leinster’s largest hedge maze (1.5 km of paths), then try the wooden maze, crazy-golf, and zip-line play area. Open spring–autumn; tickets roughly $10–$15. Bring snacks for the picnic area or visit the on-site café. Average visit: 1.5–2 hours.

Stonebrook Farm

A summer favorite for families, Stonebrook offers gentle animal encounters, feeding sessions, and a big outdoor play area. Tickets typically $8–$12. Hand-washing stations are provided; closed shoes recommended. Check opening days before you go.

Stay & Eat

In Naas, boutique hotels and guesthouses often run $110–$180 per night (family rooms $160–$220). For meals, look to town-center cafés and casual restaurants for soups, fresh salads, hearty stews, and warm soda bread. Many places offer kids’ menus and takeaway picnic options.

Smart Planning

Summer brings longer days and busier attractions—pre-book major sites (Russborough, Mondello) and aim early for the market and lakes parking. Pack layers, a compact rain jacket, and contactless payment; some rural stops are cash-preferred. Driving? Keep coins for occasional tolls.

Wrap-Up

Naas delivers gentle countryside, culture, gardens, and easy day trips—no long transfers required. Which mix fits your crew: lake loop + manor tour, or market morning + maze afternoon? Share your dates and wish list, and a polished one-day or weekend route—with drive times and bookings—can be mapped for you.