The recently refurbished and expanded Lawlor's Hotel in Naas is a great base for Kildare's many attractions

The recently refurbished and expanded Lawlor's Hotel in Naas is a great base for Kildare's many attractions.

By the banks of the Grand Canal

Didn’t realise until a recent stay in the town’s Lawlor’s Hotel that Naas is so central to many attractions and destinations. Racegoers knew this all along as you have courses nearby in Punchestown and the Curragh as well as one in Naas itself.

Speaking of horses, the Irish National Stud is just over 20 minutes away in Tully, Sallins (with its Kildare Brewery and barge trips) even closer, Newbridge Silverware and its Museum of Icons are close enough also as is Kildare Village. Fancy going underground? Then Newgrange is about 65 minutes by road.

Walking home by the canal from the Friday Country Market

Much of Wicklow and Dublin is under 50 kilometres from Naas. Like to check out a distillery or two? Then take the train from Sallins/Naas and you’ll be sampling in one of the distilleries in Dublin's Liberties in under an hour.

Lawlors themselves have quite a few tips on their website about what to do in the locality. Naas is located in the heart of Irelands Ancient East where Kildare and Wicklow also have so much for you to see. 

This modest cottage in the Irish National Stud is where big money deals are finalised.

“Naas recently won the Purple Flag award which means our town is accredited as a safe place to go out, with a diverse and high-quality range of venues and entertainment types for your visit. Click on this link to learn more about Kildare’s history around The Sport of Kings. 

Kildare offers a range of special interests in addition to horse racing and horse riding, such as golf, motor racing (Mondello Park), fishing, ecology, cruising and walking. In September 2006, The K Club hosted the most prestigious international golf event "The Ryder Cup" which is only a short drive from Lawlor's. The county’s many heritage attractions are of great importance and provide much interest to the visitor. 

One of the famous old doors at Lawlor's.
They have been sourced from around the world
and often feature in wedding photos.

Note the heritage towns of Athy and Kildare, Leixlip where ‘Guinness’ was first brewed, walk along Arthurs Way and the University town of Maynooth. Visit the many houses and gardens such as the magnificent Castletown House or experience Peatland World Visitor Centre that interprets the wilderness of the Bog of Allen.” 

More from Lawlor’s here. 

Our main purpose in travelling up from Cork was to visit the Irish National Stud in Tully, a terrific visit. Not only does it include the beautiful grounds of the stud itself and the legendary horses, and foals about to become legends, but your ticket also covers your visit to the superb Japanese Gardens and an excellent guided tour of the stud. 

Path of Life in the Japanese Gardens

And if you need a break and refreshment, you may enjoy a snack or a full lunch in the recommended on-site restaurant Gourmet Goodies. 

After our final breakfast in Lawlor’s, we headed up the sunny streets, busy too but not too busy, nothing close to a traffic jam. Soon we were down by the Grand Canal which has excellent walkways so close to the town. Like the town, the canal is well maintained and quite an asset to the citizens and visitors. We saw a couple of locks but no action on the waters. 

Teahouse in Japanese Gardens

Mentioned that at check-out and the hotel staff told us that you can experience the historic canal (at least a stretch of it) on a restored traditional canal barge from Sallins, and learn about the life of Ireland’s first man-made waterway (built in the 18th Century). They are great for Family Days Out, Birthday Parties, Office Parties or any occasion! Bar service onboard, with meal options for after your cruise at Lock 13 Gastro Brew-pub. Not alone can you do the canal trip but you can also book a brewery tour. I'm putting that on my list!

At The Stud, a young foal comes towards the camera while his surrogate mother keeps an eye on things.

Not the only reason. Just like to mention again the friendliness that was evident right from the reception desk in the Stud and everywhere we went after that, including Lawlor’s Hotel, the Country Market and during our stroll along the banks of the canal where everyone smiled and said hello. Another lovely reason to return to Kildare and check out more of its attractions.

More on the Irish Stud visit here.

More on Lawlor’s, especially the food options, here. 

You're on course for a great time when you stay at Lawlor's of Naas

You're on course for a great time when you stay at Lawlor's of Naas 

Terrific Sea Bass dish in Vi's

Hard to know where to start when talking about the amazingly popular Lawlor’s Hotel in the heart of Naas. Hard, because a recent refurbishment has more than doubled its size to over three acres! They have 138 individually designed bedrooms, ranging from traditional style to brand-new superior bedrooms. All rooms are en-suite and are fitted with power showers, some with modern jacuzzi baths - providing ultimate luxury. 

Yet, when we knew we were heading there, our focus was immediately on Vi’s, the newly launched restaurant. Quite a spectacular place highlighted by the custom-made iconic round dining bar, an eye-catching centrepiece of the luxurious new lobby.

The bar in the round in Vi's

The frontage of the “old” hotel faces the town's main thoroughfare, while the new reception is on the other side of the complex, reached via Gleann na Greine (don't worry, very easy to find). Here you will find a spacious underground car park with a lift up to reception.

It took us a while to finish the walk as we took in the lobby and the restaurant and the magnificent decor. And then we got a warm welcome from the staff at the desk and took the lift to the 4th floor and our spacious comfortable room with all we needed for our stay. From the window, we could see down to the gardens. 

Terrine starter

It was one of the warmest days of recent weeks and the temptation factor was high. Soon, we were relaxing in the garden with a cool drink at hand. Vi's Gardens, with its ancient gates, is now open daily for dining and drinks and you may have lunch in the lobby from 12.00 pm until 4.00 pm. The Bistro is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

After the liquid refreshment had reached the vital spot, we decided to take a stroll along the main streets of this well-kept town. Busy too and no sign of any vacant sites that blight the centre of some of our cities and towns. Didn’t go too far though as the heat was still up and we had already walked quite a bit during our superb visit to the nearby Irish National Stud.

Lawlor's

By the way, on the way up and down to our room, we regularly passed the Courtroom. Yes, the Courtroom. It is laid out in a traditional semi-circular fashion. But the seating here is very comfortable and the facilities (AV technology and video conferencing) are bang up-to-date and excellent for corporate and training events. This restored 19th Century wood-panelled amphitheatre meeting room holds up to 50 attendees,

Soon it was time for dinner - we had a reservation - and we headed for Vi’s. Again, the welcome was warm and friendly and that vibe continued right through a very efficient service all through the meal. Vi’s is currently open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6 pm to 9 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm to 8 pm. Expect to pay a bit more here than in the Bistro. 

It also has some different dishes available, as you'd expect, including Steak on a Stone - 6oz medallion of prime Irish beef fillet on the stone with portobello mushroom, caramelised red onion, overnight tomatoes, pepper sauce, chunky chip. And then there’s the exclusive Mrs Lawlor’s Sherry Trifle (left) - a classic boozy sherry trifle made using Mrs Lawlor's own recipe.

You can also break the bank on the Drinks List which is very extensive. A lot of reading there and it might be worth your while to try and get your hands on it in advance! We settled on an excellent New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and a dram of Green Spot.

One of the unusual doors, each with a story

The menu takes a fair bit of attention also. Eight starters include Sharing Platter of deep-fried calamari, chorizo, and Padron peppers. My pick was the Jane Russell Blackpudding and Ham Hock Terrine which came with black apple chutney, lamb leaf, and French dressing.

That got me off to a flier and CL, who had been tempted by the Ardsallagh Goats Cheese Tartlet,  was also delighted with her Pulled Roast Chicken Croquette with Pickled mushroom, lamb's leaf lettuce, and honey buttermilk dressing. Sat back between courses and listened to the live musician, had another look or two at the eye-catching decor above and around the bar, and enjoyed voyeuristically the craic coming from a nearby 40th birthday celebration.

Perfect steak

Time then for the main event, surf for her, turf for me! CL’s pick was the Pan-fried Sea Bass with warm potato salad, cherry tomatoes, peppers, braised fennel, and roasted red pepper reduction. Absolutely perfect, the fish hugely enhanced by the marvellous sauce. 

I ordered the 10 oz Irish Beef Striploin Steak with mushrooms, caramelised red onion, overnight tomato, pepper sauce, and chunky chips, My server suggested a port wine sauce and I went along with that. Ten out of ten here for sure, the meat was perfectly cooked and lifted by the overnight tomato and that port wine sauce.

One of the inviting gardens, seen from 4th floor window

They serve breakfast in the Bistro from 6.30 am. We were never in danger of getting there that early and it was after nine when we sat down in what is still quite a striking room. The service is again friendly and the whole operation is well organised and runs smoothly. Just take your time and check all your options.

There is a central station for juices and cereals while tea, coffee, and toast will be delivered to your table. Aside from one or two other options, everything else comes from the Hot Buffett which is regularly checked and replenished. 

Breakfast is served in this area of the Bistro
(part of the "old" hotel)

Our selections, mostly eggs, pudding, beans and mushrooms were top notch and indeed their sausages were superb, sorry I didn't take another one! But there you go. We were quite happy as we left the room to take a stroll on the tidy banks of the nearby Grand Canal and also a look at the Country Market which takes place every Friday (the Farmers Market is on Saturday).

With the sunshine coming to a temporary halt, it was time to check out (after another pleasant chat) and head down south with a promise to ourselves that we'd be back to Lawlors.

Here the "old" front of Lawlor's continues to face out on Poplar Square

Also on this trip:

More on the advantages of this hotel with an emphasis on its location, a great base for touring the Kildare area here.

And a post also on our delightful visit to the Irish National Stud here.

 

Lawlors of Naas Again Sponsors Grade 1 Novice Hurdle while Lorraine will keep an Keane eye on the fashion!

press release

Lawlors of Naas Again Sponsor Grade 1 Novice Hurdle

while Lorraine will keep an Keane eye on the fashion! 

Lorraine Keane

The ever-popular Lawlor’s of Naas is located in the town's Poplar Square and will open its luxurious new extension in early 2022. Before all that they'll again sponsor the Grade 1 Novice Hurdle on January 2nd. This year the theme of the competition is ‘Back A Boutique’ and Lorraine Keane will head up the fashion judging panel. Should be quite a fantastic day of racing, fashion, food and entertainment!

IFTA nominated broadcaster, influencer and fashionista, Lorraine Keane will head up the fashion judging panel for the Lawlor’s of Naas Grade 1 Novice Hurdle and Winter Ladies Day at Naas Racecourse on Sunday, 2^nd of January. The Grade 1 race day is Naas Racecourse’s flagship race meeting and the opening card of the 2022 calendar at the Kildare track. The day offers racegoers a fantastic day of racing, fashion, food and entertainment.

Winters Ladies Day has a prize fund of over €3,000 including prizes up for grabs for four runners up as well as spot prizes from local boutiques in Naas. The Winter Ladies Day winner will receive a €1,000 voucher from Residence Day Spa in Naas, a €500 cash prize and a luxurious stay in a suite at Lawlor’s of Naas Town Centre Hotel.

This year the theme of the competition is ‘Back A Boutique’. A number of Naas boutiques and shops have partnered with Naas Racecourse including Jingles, Aria, Emporium Kalu, Nicola Ross, Catriona’s, The Shoe Tree, Fabucci, Whelan’s Shoes and Diamond & Pearls. The boutiques have generously donated vouchers ranging in value from €50 - €200. These vouchers will be awarded as spot prizes for stylish ladies the judges see on the day.

Speaking in advance of the fashion competition, Lorraine said, “Our theme for this year’s fashion competition is ‘Back A Boutique’. The ‘Back A Boutique’ campaign is about encouraging ladies to shop locally and choose their race day outfit, or part of their outfit from their local boutique ahead of the Lawlor’s of Naas Grade 1 Novice Hurdle Day. It’s been a difficult time for everyone, and boutiques and retailers were hit very hard so it’s important to support your favourite shop and shop local.”

Lawlor’s of Naas is located in Poplar Square in Naas and will open its luxurious new extension in early 2022. The renovation and extension will see an additional 74 bedrooms being added to the property. Work is currently underway on a new ballroom large enough to accommodate 550 people, ‘Vi’s Restaurant’ and lots more. The interiors will feature a treasure trove of repurposed antiques and collectables which add a unique and elegant cocktail of glamour.

Jack Tierney, owner of Lawlor’s of Naas said, “We are delighted and proud to sponsor The Lawlor’s of Naas Grade 1 Novice Hurdle once again. It’s an exciting and busy time for all of the team here as we are getting set to open the doors to our fabulous extension in Spring 2022. Our luxury new extension features beautifully crafted treasures we have procured from famous historic buildings and the look is as eclectic as it is glamourous. Lawlor’s is only 35 minutes from Dublin Airport and Naas is a great place to stay and enjoy all that Kildare has to offer from great shopping to exciting racing on our doorstep. It has been a tough couple of years, and we are delighted to offer a good news story to begin 2022”.

The Grade 1 Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle is the first major race of 2022 and is a great indicator of what horses are set to make waves on the racing scene over the remainder of the season. It is the seventh year in succession that Lawlor’s of Naas have sponsored this race. The previous two winners of the race, Bob Olinger and Envoi Allen went on win the Grade 1 Ballymore Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham festival.

General Manager of Naas Racecourse, Eamonn McEvoy said, “ We are really looking forward to the 2022 renewal of the Lawlor’s of Naas Grade 1 Novice Hurdle and we hope the race receives the same incredible support it has in recent years. The bar has been set very high by Envoi Allen and Bob Olinger winning the Grade 1 Ballymore Novice Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. A huge thank you to our feature sponsors, Lawlor’s for their continued support.”

There are seven races on the card on the 2^nd of January, with the first going to post at 12.50pm approx. Admission tickets are €15 online or €18 at the gate and a range of hospitality packages are also available. For further information, to purchase tickets or hospitality packages call Naas Racecourse on (045) 897391 or visit www.naasracecourse.com.