The Naas Branch is appreciated as one of the most scenic and interesting stretches of waterway on the canal network. Lined by majestic stands of old trees its banks reveal many features of engineering and historic interest.

Follow the main towpath from Sallins to the Leinster Aqueduct ( it can be muddy here ) and turn back east along the road. Cross under the rail bridge carrying the Dublin-Cork main line and turn left at the T-junction shortly afterwards. In a short distance you will join the canal, this time the Naas branch from the main channel. Follow it past a set of locks and under the modern motorway bridge to reach the Leinster Mills which were built in 1790 on the canal bank so that grain-laden barges could easily discharge their cargoes.

Continue on the tarmacadamed road admiring the forested Oldtown Estate on the east bank. The road rises slightly past Oldtown lock ( Can you spot the ‘De Burgh’ name inscribed on a pier of the lock chamber ? ) and continue on to Tandy’s Bridge which is framed by trees dipping down to the nutrient-rich waters from the boundary walls of the estates on either side of the canal.

The estates of Oldtown, the Knocks and Keredern ( named after a French countess ) create a mature parkland ambience. Continue past the bridge on a pedestrian way on the west side of the waterway.

From there you can view the well-preserved Naas gasworks hose where boats laden with coal once unloaded their cargoes for the town gasworks which supplied Naas householders with light and cooking fuel. Poets and artists have drawn inspiration from this section of canal through the years. The fact that there are five locks within two miles is a penance for boat crews but adds interest of the route for the walker.

Cross the bridge nearest to Naas - known as the Abbey bridge from the fact that its stone was re-cycled from an old monastic foundation - and walk towards Naas harbour along a track on the east bank. The harbour close to the town centre is complemented by the old canal stores which have now been restored as a base for youth work activity in the area. The harbour once bustled to the sound of horses and drays unloading supplies for the merchants of the town from the incoming barges. A short walk up the aptly named Basin Street will take you into the town centre.