Start your tour around the streets and waterways of Naas at Naas Town Hall in the central Poplar Square area, a handsome mid-nineteenth-century building of cut stone that once doubled as a courthouse and jail, its classical façade setting an elegant tone for the town’s civic heritage. From here, the surrounding streets buzz gently with independent shops, cafés, and the occasional market stall, reflecting Naas’s role as a lively market centre with roots stretching back to medieval times.
A brief stroll along South Main Street or adjacent lanes leads to the prominent Church of Our Lady and St David, a fine Gothic Revival structure whose spire punctuates the skyline; its interior offers quiet respite with notable stained glass and a sense of enduring parish life. Nearby, the Moat Theatre occupies a restored former school building beside the ancient moat—a Norman-era mound believed to be over two thousand years old and once a royal assembly site—now repurposed as a vibrant venue for performances and the weekly country market.
Continue to St David’s Castle, the evocative ruins of a thirteenth-century Norman fortress tucked near the Potato Market area, its sturdy walls and remnants evoking the town’s fortified past amid ongoing preservation efforts. The site sits close to the reclaimed Potato Market, a charming open space ideal for browsing local produce on market days.
For a scenic interlude, wander down to the Naas Harbour and the Grand Canal, where the peaceful branch line invites a waterside promenade along the towpath. This flat, easy path, lined with mature trees and occasional benches, offers serene views of narrowboats, swans, and herons, with the canal’s historic locks and stone bridges nodding to its eighteenth-century engineering. The walk here provides a gentle contrast to the town’s bustle, allowing time to appreciate the green corridor that once linked Naas to Dublin by water.
To round off the circuit, return via Abbey Street or nearby lanes, perhaps pausing at the Naas Courthouse of 1807 with its dignified neoclassical portico, or simply enjoying the well-preserved shopfronts and Georgian houses that line the thoroughfares.
This modest loop, comfortably managed in under an hour at an unhurried pace, captures Naas’s appealing character: no sweeping drama or ancient cathedrals, but a satisfying blend of canal-side calm, historic echoes, and everyday vitality in a town that balances its royal assembly heritage with contemporary commuter energy
Begin your Naas walking tour at Poplar Square, the bustling centre of this historic Kildare town, where you can enjoy a hearty lunch at The Ivy Kitchen on South Main Street. This cosy spot serves up modern Irish dishes like smoked salmon or shepherd’s pie, tasty, affordable, and no bookings needed, but get there early to avoid the midday crowd.
Stroll down South Main Street to St David’s Church, a striking 13th-century ruin with weathered stone arches, evoking the charm of medieval Ireland, like a scene from a historical sketch. From there, wander along North Main Street to Naas Town Centre, where you can pop into the Moat Theatre, a cultural hub hosting local plays and exhibitions, perfect for a quick dose of the town’s creative spirit.
Next, head towards Friary Road and stop at Swan’s on the Green for a rich hot chocolate or artisan coffee. If you’re after something more refined, Vie de Châteaux on New Row offers elegant French-inspired dining with local ingredients in a chic setting.
Finish your walk by looping to Naas Canal, a serene waterway lined with leafy paths, ideal for a peaceful pause. If time allows, visit the Kildare County Museum (a short detour towards Sallins Road), a small but engaging spot showcasing Naas’ history, from horse-racing heritage to market-town roots. This 1-2 mile route weaves together Naas’ historic charm, local eats, and tranquil scenery.
Largest town walking tour
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Population of towns in county Kildare
Towns
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Villages
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Kildare:
Ireland’s county Kildare blends historic sites with lush countryside, with the National Stud and Japanese Gardens offering a unique mix of equine heritage and serene landscapes. Castletown House, a grand Palladian mansion, provides historical insights, while the Curragh’s open plains are ideal for walking. The ancient Hill of Allen adds archaeological depth, making Kildare an engaging stop for culture and nature. The new Shackleton Experience has opened in Athy. Kildare is Ireland’s eighth smallest county by size (1,694 square km) and seventh largest by population (247,774). Population reached its lowest point, 57,892 in 1936. In terms of hospitality, Kildare is Ireland’s 15th most visited tourist county with around 168,000 international visitors per year.
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