I AM fortunate enough that my work takes me all around Ireland and I would spend a good amount of time in the south, particularly in Dublin. However, given I'm usually always on the go, I find it often makes more sense for me to stay outside of Dublin than in – and when I get the chance, Lawlor's of Naas is always top of my list.
Lawlors is in the centre of Naas town in Co Kildare. It's not too far from the N7 which makes it an ideal hotel to explore other parts of Ireland. From the second you step foot inside the reception you will receive a warm welcome and know straight away that this is a well loved, family run hotel. The staff are attentive and friendly and will be happy to help make your stay a memorable one whether that's just for one night or longer.
Once you head to your room you will be impressed with the design and how comfortable everything is. This is primarily down to the recent renovation of the hotel that expanded and upgraded it to the highest standard but also managed to retain the old world charm of the original building.
As mentioned the hotel is ideally located to make it a great base to explore Kildare and beyond. Kildare Village, the designer outlet, is a favourite stop off of mine, especially if I'm travelling with my partner. The Village is an ideal place to pick up a bargain and also has some lovely coffee spots if you want to do more than shop.
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With the motorway close by you can easily hit the road and venture beyond Naas and head to the neighbouring towns and counties such as going into Dublin or heading to Newbridge and visiting the Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre.
And if you aren't travelling by car, there are decent Bus Éireann routes to and from Naas.
Music lovers will be sure to enjoy their stay in Lawlor's as the hotel regularly hosts live music events in their ballroom. The ballroom is from the original design and was the main attraction of the building when it opened in 1913. While the ballroom was once home to a number of tea dances and romances it now is home to concerts that vary from highly renowned tribute acts such as Absolute Eagles to beloved country music stars, Michael English and Louise Morrissey. The hotel offers a number of packages that include the concerts and they have a number of acts confirmed for 2024 as listed on their website.
I can't finish singing Lawlor's praises without noting the fantastic food it offers – indeed, it's one of my favourite things about staying here. The hotel has two restaurants to cater for everyone's tastes and I guarantee you will have a delicious meal no matter which one you choose.
If you're lucky enough to get the weather, be sure to check out Vi's Gardens, a lovely spot to sit and have some nibbles and drinks – and the breakfast is sure to set you up for a day of activities.
One of the restaurants is also named after Vi, as Violette Lawlor was known. She was daughter-in-law to Brigid Lawlor, the hotel founder, and was described in newspapers of the time as, "a glamorous socialite with a glass of bubbles in her hand". Her style and elegance lives on in the hotel's approach to dining.
The team at Lawlor's of Naas has worked hard to maintain their hotel's world class reputation and they do not disappoint. From the start of your stay to the moment you reluctantly leave, you will have a wonderful time and be left feeling totally refreshed – I know I do whenever I get a chance to stay. Hopefully I might bump into one or two of you during my next visit...
:: Lawlor's of Naas,
Poplar Square,
Naas,
Co Kildare,
W91Y65N
+353 (0)45 906 444
lawlors.ie
:: rorystravelclub.com
