Top Rated Parks to Visit in Naas

"Measuring 709 glorious hectares, Phoenix Park is one of the world’s largest city parks; you’ll find MP3-rigged joggers, grannies pushing buggies, ladies walking poodles, gardens, lakes, a sporting oval, and 300 deer. There are also cricket and polo grounds, a motor-racing track and some fine 18th-century residences, including those of the Irish president and the US ambassador. "

"At over 1,750 acres, The Phoenix Park is one of Europe’s biggest city parks... and we're lucky it's right on our doorstep!. More than 350 years old, it is home to Dublin Zoo, playing fields, and the Victorian People’s Flower Gardens."

"As you watch the assorted groups of friends, lovers and individuals splaying themselves across the nine elegantly landscaped hectares of Dublin's most popular green lung, St Stephen's Green, consider that those same hectares once formed a common for public whippings, burnings and hangings. These days, the harshest treatment you'll get is the warden chucking you off the grass for playing football or Frisbee."

"Once a marshy common grazing area, St. Stephen’s Green is one of the Dublin’s most popular green spaces and a nice place to take a short break from sightseeing. It includes trees, a lake, a playground, a number of labeled plants (including some in Braille), fountains, statues, and memorials. This city center park is located just across from the Little Dublin Museum."

"In a prime location opposite Bull Island, an idiosyncratic beach in north Dublin, St Anne’s was the former home of the – yes, the – Guinness family in the 19th century. Spread over some 240 acres, it’s now crammed with fascinating public follies. You’ll find a classical Chinese garden (a gift from China when Dublin twinned with Beijing in 2011), a Herculanean Temple and clock tower, and a physic garden with a range of medicinal herbs."

"Saint Anne’s Park is located on the Northside of Dublin and is one of the most beautiful parks in the county. The park is home to old ruins, Chinese Suzhou Gardens, Rose Gardens and some magical artwork. On the outskirts of the park lies Ireland’s very own tree of life."

"This market, located in the 247-acre park in Rathfarnham, is well worth browsing through when you're spending the day at Marlay Park. And there are some fantastic vendors at this market. Try the delicious food at Taste of Morocco, get some beautiful hand-made crafts from Handmade For U, find your next read at the Village Bookshop, or enjoy some rolled ice-cream in the sun."

"Set deep within South Dublin, sprawling Marlay Park encompasses wild woodland, indistinct paths, a manicured walled garden and even a golf course. There’s always plenty going on here, like the farmers’ market every weekend and, in summer, an extensive programme of outdoor concerts. Try to locate the ‘fairy tree’ – and good luck (this park stretches out over 300 acres)."

"Another awesome place to go for a walk in Dublin is Marley Park. It is the perfect place to go for some peace and quiet. The park stretches for 86 acres and is home to ponds, forestry and trails."

"Set within rugged woodland and untamed fields in a well-to-do part of south of Dublin, Killiney Hill Park is wilder than other parks in Dublin. For seasoned walkers, the incline provides a fine challenge. But if climbing to the top is easily accomplished, take in even better views of the Irish Sea, Dublin and Wicklow in the distance by scaling the stony steps of the Pyramid of Dublin."

"Ok, but this one’s pretty cool and it’s perched on top of a hill!. It also used to have a railway station (albeit one that closed over 150 years ago, but still). Located along the southern boundary of Dublin Bay, the main reason you’d head to Killiney Hill Park is for the gorgeous sweeping views from the viewpoint just south of the obelisk."

"Although the People’s Park in Dún Laoghaire is one of the smaller Dublin parks, it punches well above its weight!. An immaculately landscaped oasis of calm just moments from the harbour, the two-hectare park is well worth a visit, especially if you’re down here at the weekend when local vendors show off their colourful collections of arts, crafts and local produce. Opened in 1890 and designed in the formal Victorian style, check out the wrought iron railings, stone walls, large gates and bandstand typical of the time period."

"Often described as a wonderful place to escape for a great day out, Killruddery is conveniently located on the outskirts of the capital where Dublin meets Wicklow.There’s so much to see and explore. Nature has never been more relaxing with leisurely walks in one of Ireland’s most renowned gardens, filled with beautiful planting and wooded areas, water features and distinctive outdoor rooms."

"The beautiful grass and colourful flowerbeds are overlooked by the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s a great day out for all, and even sits by the River Liffey."

"Along the southern part of the Dart trainline, Blackrock Park is a small but perfectly formed park boasting striking views of the Irish Sea. The star of the show is the pond with its Peace Fountain, created to mark the International Year of Peace in 1986. You may well spot swans and ducks in the area, too."

"Just south of Phoenix Park and drawing a largely local crowd, this smaller park is an equally pleasant alternative. Stroll past the hurling grounds for a riverside view of rowers in action on the Liffey, or continue to the memorial gardens, dedicated to the fallen Irish soldiers of the First World War. The elaborately-landscaped grounds are fittingly tranquil."

"Popping your head into an imposing-looking church is a rite of passage for many of us on a city break. And as the oldest building in Dublin and largest and most famous of the city’s many churches, Christ Church Cathedral has long been a go-to historical attraction for many tourists visiting the city. Located only 10 minutes from the Maldron Hotel on Kevin Street and 15 minutes walk from Maldron Hotel Smithfield, Christ Church is the perfect place for respectful visitors looking to find a tranquil spot in the heart of Dublin city."

"Christ Church Cathedral is one of the best photo spots in Dublin. One of the reasons why it's amazing to capture is that it's a medieval cathedral!. Also, the architecture of the cathedral is amazing."

"Its hilltop location and eye-catching flying buttresses make this the most photogenic of Dublin 's three cathedrals, as well as one of the capital's most recognisable symbols."

"Chapel Royale, the castle’s chapel, was beautiful and full of tales of its own. If you find yourself hungry or thirsty, there is a lovely eatery at the back of the castle with outdoor seating. The tour lasts one hour."

"Colourful cronuts with flavours such as Nutella, Oreo and Cinnamon, and drool-worthy doughnuts filled with vanilla cream are just some of the treats you can taste in Krust bakery on Georges St. Located in the city centre, it's the ideal spot to pop in for some freshly baked treats when you're on the go."

"Pioneering the way with the invention of the 'cronut', (half-crossaint- half donut) this bakery has a lot more to offer, featuring a great selection of classic donuts as well as pastries."

"Situated in the centre of the city close to Trinity College is Hansel and Gretel Bakery & Patisserie. The bakery can certainly claim to be one of the most picturesque in the city, with an elegant facade and a beautifully-appointed interior. Their artisan breads are baked fresh every day and the bakery has a range of fresh pastries and cakes available."

"Since cookie cravings don’t follow a calendar, The Dublin Cookie Company bakes and sells cookies seven days a week. And not just any cookies. In the shop’s open kitchen, bakers create cookie concoctions like familiar Chocolate Chip and fancier Sea Salted Caramel & Toasted Pecan using Irish butter and other local ingredients."

"This Bakery and Patisserie on Clare Street makes delicious baked treats as well as gourmet sandwiches for lunch. I've often called in for a grab-n-go sambo and they've always been delicious with really interesting flavours such as goats cheese, walnut and pear."

"Free tours of the official residence of the Irish president, Aras an Uachtaráin, a handsome Palladian mansion whose design inspired the architect of the White House in Washington, DC, depart from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre every Saturday and operate on a first-come-first-served basis. Occasionally, tours might not run due to state business, so always check the website beforehand. The Irish Museum of Modern Art houses a wide collection of contemporary Irish artists © Jonathan Smith / Lonely Planet"

"A creative space and cultural centre for children, the Ark has a calendar full of events, workshops and more for kids, year-round. With its own child-friendly theatre and award-winning facilities, the Ark has been nurturing creative minds since the mid-1990s. They frequently collaborate with regular Dublin arts festivals (based around the likes of literature, theatre and dance), so it’s worth checking their site in advance of a visit in case there’s something coming up that your family would be especially interested in."

"The Ark is a fascinating cultural centre especially built for kids and based in the centre of Dublin. There is a tonne of different events on throughout the year and it’s worth checking the website to see if it’s something you’d be interested in before rocking up. From interactive installations to music shows and mini-museums, the centre is quite a diverse space."