Naas: Parks, history and kayaking

Naas offers plenty of ways to spend time outdoors and learn about the town’s history: an art trail runs through Kerdiffstown Park, several green spaces invite you to take a stroll, and the Historic Trails explore local history on foot. There are also kayaking tours through the town centre. Which of these appeals to you most can help shape the experiences you focus on during your stay in Naas.

Art trail and views at Kerdiffstown Park

The Kerdiffstown Park Art Trail links 18 carved stones with stories about the local landscape, Irish mythology, local folklore and the more recent history of the Kerdiffstown landfill site. The varied themes give the walk both a cultural and a landscape connection. At the park’s highest point, the trail ends at three stones, from where there are 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The plateau in Kerdiffstown Park also offers panoramic views. The park also has cycling and walking trails, playgrounds with safe play areas, and modern fitness equipment.

Green spaces for different kinds of downtime

If you’d like to include walks and nature in your days during a stay in Naas, each park offers something different. deBurgh’s Woodland Gardens is a 15-acre, historically significant public park with ancient woodland, walking trails and water features dating from the 18th century. Monread Park covers 12 hectares and combines walking trails with picnic tables, a playground and wildflower meadows that support pollinators and biodiversity. At Oak Park on the Tipper River, you’ll find trails and a playground, as well as areas for biodiversity and pollinators.

Fairgreen has walking trails, seating and picnic tables, and is 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 Lakes extends the old Naas Railway Walk; there, you can spot ducks, swans and other wildlife. You can choose between a stroll through ancient woodland, a walk with views of water and wildlife, or a green space with a playground and picnic facilities.

On foot, by bike and on the water

The Canal Walk runs from Naas Harbour along the Grand Canal and is suitable for both pedestrians and cyclists. Another option on foot is the accessible Railway Walk from Sundays Well to Ballycane. The Historic Trails of Naas run through the town and bring its local history to life. These options appeal to different interests: you can get outdoors, discover historic sites, or make both separate priorities during your time in Naas.

Naas Adventure Sports offers kayaking trips through the centre of Naas. The two-hour kayaking tours are suitable for complete beginners, and all the equipment you need is provided. This makes kayaking an option even for travellers who have no prior experience with the activity. National Hunt and flat racing take place at Naas Racecourse. The racecourse is on the edge of Naas, just off the M7, and is served by rail, bus and airport transfers. This is a specific point of reference for planning your journey; you can choose the other experiences according to your interests.

Traces of local history

Naas Town Hall was built in 1854 and is a starting point for Historic Trail 1. Along the way, you’ll encounter other sites with different historical connections. The Old Railway Station 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, which included merchants, dancers and fiddlers.

St David’s Church, also on the Naas Historic Trail, is connected with the burial place of Jack Lattin. A traditional dance named after him was popular in Ireland and Scotland in the 18th century. The Town Gates once helped control access to the walled town of Naas. Together with the Historic Trails, these places offer different ways to explore local history, without committing your stay to just one theme.

Discover more places

If you’d like to discover more destinations, you’ll find Kildare, Kilmartin, Kildangan, Celbridge, Newbridge, Moyvally, Leixlip and Prosperous here.

For the broader travel guide: County Kildare.