Is Naas Dog-Friendly?
The Thoroughbred County’s Top Dog Spot?
Naas, the bustling county town of Kildare, is more than just a gateway to horse country; it’s a growing urban centre that’s increasingly welcoming to four-legged friends. But is it a grand day out or a bit of a palaver for you and your dog? We had a look.
Infrastructures
Naas is a decent spot for dog-walking, offering a blend of urban amenities and nearby green spaces. The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly Naas Town Park, which provides ample open space for leashed strolls and fresh air, though dedicated, fenced-off dog runs are less common right in the centre, meaning off-leash play can be a bit tricky. The town’s location in the wider Kildare area is a significant plus, putting it within easy reach of spots like the Irish National Stud and Gardens (dogs welcome on leads in the gardens) and the vast trails of Donadea Forest Park for a proper hike.
However, navigating the main town can sometimes be a bit of a squeeze. While the town is generally well-maintained, busy traffic and limited public bins in some areas can be a bit of a pain for owners. On the bright side, the general feel is that of an affluent, family-oriented town, which often correlates with a high number of dog owners and a growing acceptance of pets in public life.
Services
When it comes to essential services, Naas is well-served and offers a solid, high-quality selection. You’ll find several excellent dog groomers, such as Muttz for Cutz and Tatty Tails, the latter often highlighting its relaxed, one-to-one service and veterinary nurse experience, which is a great comfort to many. The availability of boarding kennels, like Fern Boarding Kennels just outside town, and numerous highly-rated independent dog sitters and walkers on platforms like Gudog and PetBacker, is a real strength.
The town’s food and drink scene is also starting to cotton on to the dog-friendly trend. Cafés like Hey darling and pubs such as Kavanagh’s Naas are known for actively welcoming dogs, sometimes even indoors, which is a huge bonus on a wet Irish day. While the sheer quantity of pet-specific shops might not be as high as in Dublin, the quality and variety of professional care services are certainly not to be sniffed at.
Our Paw-Rating
Naas stands out for its high-quality, easily accessible pet services and its proximity to fantastic larger green spaces like Donadea Forest Park. The dog-friendly café and pub scene is also a welcome sight, showing a strong community effort to include dogs in social life.
The main drawback is the lack of dedicated, fenced-off dog parks right in the urban area, which can make exercising high-energy dogs off-leash a bit of a challenge without driving. Additionally, while the general environment is lovely, the town centre itself can be busy. Overall, Naas is a safe bet for dog owners who value professional services and access to countryside walks.
3.8 / 5 paws
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