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Translated from Gaelic, 'Naas' means the meeting place of the Irish kings, and using human nature as our guide, it would be fair to assume at these meetings in the distant past, horse racing, along with feasting and drinking, may well have been on the agenda.
Naas is also located amongst the stud and horse centres which make Kildare the unofficial' Major Thoroughbred County' of Ireland. So it could be argued, the modern Naas racecourse was constructed as a showcase for the historical and modern presence of horseracing in the County of Kildare.
In relation to its nearby neighbour at Punchestown, there is no doubt Naas is a comparative newcomer to the staging of modern horse racing. Indeed, local businessmen and farmers only formed the first management committee in 1922, and the first races were staged on the newly constructed racecourse on 19 June 1924.
Since that time, Naas has developed in to one of the major racecourses in Ireland, and in 2011, the course will stage a total of 15 scheduled fixtures.
Naas offers race meetings which cater for every taste - For families and spectators seeking fun and relaxation, while bank holiday and summer evening barbecue meetings provide the ideal combination of lay-back atmosphere and quality entertainment.
For the racing purists, the course offers a comprehensive racing programme, with highlights including; Cheltenham Trial Day in February, the Swordlestown Stud Sprint Stakes in May, and the Derrinstown Stud Bird catcher Day in October.
Naas stages both flat and national hunt racing.
The courses at Naas are all run left handed, have noticeable undulations, and have a circuit circumference of around one mile four furlongs. The total width of the tracks is 100 metres, and this allows for the alteration of the running rails to ensure the best possible ground.
From the home turn to the winning post, the run in is four furlongs in length, and it incorporates a stiff uphill gradient.
A chute start of two furlongs in length joins on to the home straight, and produces a 'stiff' straight course which can stage sprint races of up to six furlongs in duration.
Low drawn horses have a statistical advantage in sprint races.
The hurdles course has six flights.
The steeplechase course consists of eight fences.
Naas suits race horses who combine pace and stamina.
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, or owners and trainers.
The racecourse has high specification grandstand facilities, which offer ticket holders excellent views of all the racing action. There is also access to the parade ring and unsaddling area.
Corporate parties can obtain superb hospitality in one of the grandstand's second floor suites. Smaller suites offer silver service for parties of 16, or buffet service for parties of 18. Two suites can also be amalgamated to offer silver service for 40, or buffet service for up to 50.
For larger parties, the Premier Suite offers silver service for up to 60, and buffet facilities for up to 100.
For smaller parties, all day tables can be booked in the pleasant surroundings of the first floor Panoramic Restaurant. Offering patrons a four course silver service meal, superb views over the racecourse, plus bar and tote facilities, the Panoramic Restaurant is the ideal venue for race-goers who wish to combine comfort and superb food with peerless views of great racing action.
For those seeking less formal dining, the Carvery Restaurant is located behind the grandstand, and offers a selection of hot and cold meals in pleasant surroundings.
The Opera Hat Bar incorporates a seating area for race goers to enjoy snacks and drinks, including tea and coffee.
The fully stocked Guinness Champion Bar is located on the first floor of the grandstand. While the Tote Bar is situated on the ground floor of the same structure.
A special viewing platform for wheelchairs is located alongside the main grandstand.
Disabled toilet facilities are provided in several areas around the enclosure, including next to the viewing stand.
Sunday 17 October.
Saturday 30 October.
Wednesday 24 November.
Sunday 02 January
Saturday 15 January
Saturday 05 February
Sunday 20 February
Sunday 06 March
Saturday 16 April
Wednesday 11 May
Monday 06 June
Wednesday 22 June
Wednesday 06 July
Wednesday 20 July
Monday 01 August
Sunday 16 October
Saturday 29 October
Saturday 12 November
Naas is located 32 kilometres from Dublin city centre. It is possible to take the N7 southbound from Dublin, and then turn off for Naas. The racecourse is on the left of the main road into Naas town centre.
If travelling from Dublin airport, use the M50 to connect on to the N7.
At five kilometres distant, Sallins is the nearest railway station to Naas. Race goers can take the connecting Arrow train service from Dublin Heuston station.
To travel from Sallins to Naas, there are taxis, or buses, see below.
A feeder bus service operates from Sallins to Naas town centre.
On race days, Bus Eireann operate special bus services from busarus in Dublin to Naas racecourse.
For full details on Bus Eireann services to Naas, please contact:
Bus Eireann at Busarus: 01 836 6111.
There are also Bus Eireann and private bus services from Waterford to Naas. However, these services travel via Carlow, and travelling time must be allowed.
Dublin is the nearest international airport, and is around forty kilometres from Naas.
The four star Plaza Hotel Tallaght provides the perfect base for race-goers who are attending fixtures at Naas and Punchestown. The hotel is just a pleasant drive from both racecourses, but is also ideally situated forDublin Airport, (via the M50). Hotel guests who also want to take in a trip to Dublin city centre during their stay can leave their car in the safety of the hotel’s car park while they hop on to the nearby rail service at Luas Tallaght station.
The Plaza Tallaght has 122 extremely well appointed and spacious en suite guest rooms, all with remote controlled television with satellite channels, wi-fi internet access, and the standard room amenities discerning guests expect from a quality four star hotel. For that extra bit of luxury during your stay, the hotel also offers two premier suites and six standard suites.
If you enjoy good food and drink, then the Plaza Tallaght caters for every taste. In the hotel’s reception area, the N81 Café is the ideal place for a morning coffee, a refreshing cup of tea, or a delicious muffin or pastry. As its name suggests, the Vista Bar provides a superb panoramic view while guests enjoy a light meal or carvery lunch. Mediterranean with an Irish twist, sums up the wonderful cuisine on offer in the hotel’s Olive Tree Restaurant. And if you would like to sample the atmosphere of a traditional irish bar, Grumpy
Mc Claffertys serves a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, carvery and pub style meals, and provides new evening entertainment every week.
To obtain full details on the Plaza Hotel Tallaght, or to book directly, use the link below.