Local Attractions in the Naas Area

Race Courses

Punchestown Racecourse - home of the IFG International Three Day Event.
The Curragh Racecourse - home of the Budweiser Irish Derby each July.
Naas Horse Racecourse - founded in 1922, this racecourse holds about 15 meetings per year.
Mondello Park Racing Circuit - racing year round including Rally-X, Rallysprint, Kart, Car and Motorcycle racing, and the Truck Show

Historic Sites

Carmelite White Abbey, Kildare - built in the 19th century, however the Carmelite presence in Kildare goes back 700 years. Famous for some 15/16th century stone sculptures which came from the ruins of the Franciscan ‘Grey Abbey’.

Clongowes Wood College, Clane - an important Jesuit educational establishment since 1813, it is now regarded as one of the country’s foremost private schools. It has a history dating back to 1417 and the grounds include part of the original Pale.

St Brigid's Cathedral, Kildare - located on the site reputed to be where St Brigid founded a monastery in 480 AD. Visitors can view the 750 year old cathedral and a Round Tower several centuries old which is also located on the grounds.

Grave of Wolfe Tone, Bodenstown - famous 1798 leader

Visitor Attractions

Kildare Heritage and Geneaology Company, Newbridge - Provides a full service for people who wish to trace their family roots in County Kildare Ph: (045) 433602

Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park, Rathangan - Situated in the heart of Lullymore, an island in the Bog of Allen, the park consists of indoor exhibitions, accurate re-creations of old dwellings, walks through woodlands and gardens.

Mondello Park Racing Track and Racing School, Naas - An exciting programme of car and motorbike racing is held year round. There is also a Racing Driving School, where people can get instrtuction and tuition.

Irish National Stud, Tully - Home to some of Ireland's finest thoroughbreds. Visitors can view stallions, mares, foals and yearlings. The Horse Museum houses the skeleton of the legendary steeplechaser Arkle, and also presents the history of the stud farm's successes.

Japanese Gardens - Located in the grounds of the Irish National Stud (see above), the gardens were created between 1906 and 1910 and symbolise the Life of Man. They are acclaimed as the finest Japanese gardens in Europe.

Saint Fiachra's Garden - Also located in the grounds of the Irish National Stud (see above), the gardens seek to present to the visitor the landscape which inspired the spirituality of the 6th and 7th centuries monastic movement in Ireland, and of St Fiachra in particular.

Golf Clubs (within 10 miles of the hotel)

The K Club, Straffan - 18 holes - Home of annual European Open Golf Championship

Bodenstown Golf Club, Bodenstown - 36 holes

Cill Dara Golf Club, Little Curragh - 9 holes

Craddockstown Golf Club, Naas - 18 holes

Curragh Golf Club, The Curragh - 18 holes

Killeen Golf Club, Kill - 18 holes

Knockanally Golf Club, Donadea - 18 holes

Naas Golf Club, Naas - 18 holes

Newbridge Golf Club, Newbridge - 18 holes

Pinetrees Golf Club, Clane - 18 holes

Woodlands Golf Club, Coill Dubh - 18 holes

Pitch & Putt and Driving Ranges

Green Line Pitch and Putt, Sallins

Naas Golf Driving Range, Sallins

Red Lane Golf Centre, Newbridge

Toughers Golf Range, Newbridge

Fishing and Angling

Countryman Angling and Game Supplies, Pacelli Road, Naas

Coarse anglers can expect good catches of pike, bream, rudd, tench, perch, hybrids and eels round the angling centres of Athy, Kilcock, Leixlip, Monasterevin, Prosperous, Rathangan and Vicarstown.

Game anglers will enjoy the catches of wild brown trout and salmon on the waters round Athy, Clane, Leixlip, Newbridge and Straffan.

Art and Craft Centres

Newbridge Cutlery, Newbridge - celtic and traditional tableware, jewellery and gifts

Craftspun Yarns, Johnstown - knitting yarns, sweaters, rugs, blankets, textiles

Homestead Saddlery, Kill - saddles made to design, country and riding wear

Curragh Pottery, The Curragh - hand thrown domestic and ornamental pottery

Simply Art, The Curragh - contemporary art and design gallery and shop

Irish Culture and Crafts, Kildare - family arms, heraldic printers

West End Woollens, Kildare - Irish Aran fashion knitwear