Best attractions and places to see around The Municipal District of Naas offers a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and engaging attractions. The region features significant waterways like the Grand Canal, providing scenic walking and cycling routes. It also includes historical landmarks such as ancient earthworks and Norman castles, alongside the highest point in County Kildare, Cupidstown Hill. Visitors can explore a variety of places, from historical structures to natural landscapes.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
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Popular around The Municipal District of Naas
Follow the water - Along Ireland's rivers and lakes
Ireland's blue rivers and lakes – walks along the water
Hiking around The Municipal District of Naas
MTB Trails around The Municipal District of Naas
Running Trails around The Municipal District of Naas
Road Cycling Routes around The Municipal District of Naas
Cycling around The Municipal District of Naas
Gravel biking around The Municipal District of Naas
The Leinster Aqueduct is an impressive 18th-century structure that carries the Grand Canal over the River Liffey. Itwas designed to maintain a perfectly level water flow along the Grand Canal, which was crucial for slow-moving canal boats that couldn’t handle strong currents or steep changes in height.
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The current Straffan Bridge was built in 1836 to replace an older crossing, and the adjacent weir is part of the Leinster Aqueduct system, which carries the Grand Canal over the River Liffey just upstream. This makes the area unusual – you can stand within a short walk of both a river spanned by a road bridge and a canal carried high over the same river.
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Cupidstown Hill, located in County Kildare, is the highest point in the county, standing at 379 meters (1,243 feet). This hill, known in Irish as *Cnoc Bhaile Cupid*, is part of the fringes of the Wicklow Mountains and offers a relatively easy hike for those looking to explore the area. The trail to the summit is straightforward, making it accessible for casual walkers. At the top, you’ll find a trig point, and while the views are somewhat limited by surrounding forests, there are still impressive sights over Kildare.
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We did the walk clockwise. The first bit was not the best, but later when we reached the lake it started to be interesting. It could get muddy, so good shoes or change of shoes later is a good idea. It was a bit windy too, so good jacket is a plus. It's quite flat, nothing strenuous. We loved the part along the lake and river. Beautiful and quiet countryside. Nice trees and meadows. The village has a couple of pubs, a shop and friendly cafe (Cartwheel Cycle Cafe). We had a cuppa, pint, ice-cream and biscuits.
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Sallins, a picturesque village nestled in the County Kildare countryside, exudes a charming ambiance that captures the essence of rural Ireland. Situated along the Grand Canal, this quaint locale seamlessly blends historical charm with modern convenience. The heart of Sallins is adorned with traditional Irish architecture, featuring cozy cottages and small businesses that line the streets. The Grand Canal, a defining feature, adds a serene touch to the village, offering picturesque waterside views and scenic towpaths for leisurely strolls. A visit to Sallins presents an opportunity to experience the warmth of Irish hospitality. Local pubs and eateries dot the landscape, inviting you to savor traditional Irish fare and perhaps engage in friendly conversations with locals who are known for their welcoming nature.
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The district is rich in history. You can visit the ancient St. David's Castle, a 13th-century Norman structure, or the even older Moat of Naas, an earthwork behind the Town Hall. The ruins of Jigginstown Castle, an ambitious brick palace from the 1630s, are also nearby. Additionally, the Naas Historic Trail offers a way to discover hidden historical treasures within the town.
Yes, the area boasts several natural and scenic spots. The Grand Canal is a significant feature, offering pleasant walking and cycling trails along its towpaths. You can also visit Ballymore Bridge, which provides a viewpoint of its six-arch structure over the River Liffey. For panoramic views, head to Cupidstown Hill Summit Trig Point, the highest point in County Kildare.
Families have several options. Clonfert Farm and Kildare Farm Foods Open Farm both offer indoor and outdoor play areas, animal encounters, and walking paths. The Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens, though located in Kildare, are a popular recommendation for a day out with beautiful gardens and horse breeding insights. Many of the canal-side highlights like Naas Lock No. 4 and Naas Canal Basin are also suitable for family strolls.
The Grand Canal is ideal for walks and cycles. You can explore the towpaths from Sallins, a picturesque village known for its canal-side charm. Key points along the canal include Naas Lock No. 4, Abbey Bridge, and the Naas Canal Basin. For a specific route, consider the "Naas Grand Canal via Abbey Bridge" which is an easy hike, detailed in the Easy hikes around The Municipal District of Naas guide.
For unique local experiences, consider visiting the Naas Farmers' Market or Country Market for artisan products and local produce. You can also enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the Grand Canal from Sallins with BargeTrip.ie, or take a tour and tasting at Kildare Brewing Co (Lock 13, Sallins). Coolcarrigan House and Gardens, with its 15-acre collection of rare flowers and shrubs, offers a tranquil escape.
The highest point in County Kildare is Cupidstown Hill, standing at 379 meters (1,243 feet). It's part of the Wicklow Mountains fringes and offers a relatively easy hike to its summit trig point. You can find routes to explore this area in the Easy hikes around The Municipal District of Naas guide.
Beyond walking and cycling along the canal, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes, such as the "Ballymore Eustace to Golden Falls Reservoir loop," in the Easy hikes around The Municipal District of Naas guide. For more adventurous cycling, there are gravel biking routes like "Coffee Stop at Digby Bridge – Sallins loop from Newbridge" in the Gravel biking around The Municipal District of Naas guide, and mountain biking trails like "Slade Valley trails from Sallins and Naas" in the MTB Trails around The Municipal District of Naas guide.
Yes, The Moat Theatre is a state-of-the-art performance hub in Naas, hosting a variety of shows and events throughout the year. For those interested in equestrian culture, Naas Racecourse and Punchestown Racecourse host an exciting calendar of race meetings.
The area features several interesting man-made structures. Naas Lock No. 4 is a functional part of the Grand Canal system, used to raise and lower water levels for boats. Straffan Bridge and Weir is another notable site, where the current bridge dates back to 1836, and the adjacent weir is part of the Leinster Aqueduct carrying the Grand Canal over the River Liffey.
You can find local markets in Naas that offer artisan products and local produce. The Naas Farmers' Market and Country Market are excellent places to sample and purchase goods directly from local producers.
Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquil atmosphere along the Grand Canal, with highlights like Naas Lock No. 4 being described as a captivating and peaceful spot. The scenic countryside and meadows around places like Ballymore Bridge are also highly appreciated for their beauty and quietness, making them perfect for leisurely walks.


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