Affectionately known as the “grande old dame” of Naas, Lawlor’s Hotel has long stood as both a landmark and a gathering place at the heart of the town for generations. First opened in 1913 by the formidable matriarch Mrs Brigid Lawlor, the hotel has witnessed a century of race days, weddings, and lively showband nights, with the ballroom once pulsing to music from icons like Joe Dolan and Dickie Rock.
Today, after extensive renovations, Lawlor’s blends its storied past with modern comforts, offering guests a refined yet cosy experience.
Whether it’s afternoon tea in the opulent lobby, fine dining in Vi’s Restaurant, or one of the hidden nooks perfect for a quiet cup of tea, almost every corner carries a personal touch and a story of its own.
For me, the connection is especially personal. In 2013, I had my very first date with my now-partner of 12 years at this hotel. Since then, it has held a special place in our story. On this visit, I brought my sister along – well, someone had to hold the fort at home with the dog – and perhaps that’s why we’ve lasted over a decade together.
Since our first date we’ve returned many times to share dinners, lunches and celebrations with friends. but it’s been a while since I last stepped through the doors of Lawlor’s – seeing the renovations was breathtaking (it must be akin to how my other half felt when we first met).
After we had checked into our room, we took the lift down to the main lobby where you are greeted by the grandeur of its impressive refurbishment.
Vi’s Restaurant – named after glamorous socialite Violette Lawlor – Brigid’s daughter-in-law – combines Irish-crafted materials with high-quality finishes, intermingled with vintage pieces from owner Jack Tierney’s personal antique collection and eclectic finds from around the world.
Guests enter the restaurant through large brass doors salvaged from a Las Vegas cash desk; as you wait to be seated for dinner, you can sip a Lady Vi cocktail on a Monte Carlo casino chair, and admire a stunning stained-glass window from a Nevada chapel or marvel at the heat vents sourced from Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin, which now adorn the restaurant walls.
Superior double room.
Cocktail time
Cocktail in hand, we explored the menu, which celebrates locally sourced Kildare ingredients alongside a mix of fish, Irish beef, free-range chicken and plant-based dishes.
For starters, I opted for the panko-fried calamari with wasabi aioli salad (€13), which did not disappoint, while my sister Niamh chose the Irish goats’ cheese mousse (€13), equally delightful.
We both ordered the steak – which is a family tradition – we’re known for cooking steak within an inch of its life, so we leave it to the experts now.
As my sister’s 10oz Irish beef striploin steak (€38) with Portobello mushroom, caramelised red onion, overnight tomato and pepper sauce arrives at out table, I understand why we no longer cook steak at home.
I had opted for the steak on the stone (€40) 6oz prime Irish beef fillet and as a menopausal woman, instantly regretted it when the heat hit my face (if you know, you know). But I persisted – because, well it was steak and it was delicious.
We finished with dessert and with a nod to the woman herself, Mrs Lawlor’s Trifle (€9) – a classic boozy sherry trifle made using her own recipe.
A quick nightcap at the dramatic cone-shaped ceiling-height bar in the restaurant before bedtime and we were ready to retire for the evening.
Steak on a stone.
A new day
The next morning, we headed down to the breakfast buffet, with plenty of options to suit every taste. We both opted for the full Irish, and it did not disappoint – hearty, well-cooked, and exactly what you’d hope for to start the day.
The morning atmosphere was noticeably more relaxed than the evening – ideal for anyone who may have indulged in one too many Lady Vi cocktails the night before.
If you fancy stretching your legs after breakfast, Naas has a charming selection of independent shops and cafés to explore, before returning to the hotel to freshen up for the weekend’s food finale – Afternoon Tea.
As we arrived in the lobby, a wedding party had just landed, and the noise level quickly rose. My sister is neurodivergent, and I knew the hustle and bustle could be overwhelming for her, so I asked a young server, Holly, if there was any chance we could have our tea in a quieter area.
She couldn’t have been more accommodating. She quickly set us up in one of the cosy nooks just off the main check-in area – a lovely, peaceful space that felt private yet still connected to the hotel’s charm.
While we were away from the grand setting of the main lobby, we didn’t feel like we were missing out.
From the freshly baked scones served with Lawlor’s signature fruit jam to a generous selection of sandwiches and decadent sweet treats, our Afternoon Tea was a lovely end to our night away.
Whether you’re visiting for an overnight stay, a weekend escape, or even your first date, Lawlor’s continues to charm – and just might make you fall in love all over again.
Afternoon Tea is a delight.
Note: If you are planning a night away, it’s good to note that Lawlor’s is a popular choice for weddings and functions, particularly on Friday-Saturday. For guests who prefer a quiet escape, the hotel recommend a midweek stay to enjoy a more relaxed pace.
Two-night break with refreshments on arrival and dinner on one evening is from €422 based on two people sharing.
Overnight stay with breakfast from €189 based on two people sharing.
Afternoon Tea in The Lobby at Lawlor’s of Naas €35 per person. Sparkling Afternoon Tea (includes a glass of Prosecco), €42.50 per person.
Audrey was a guest of Lawlor’s Hotel.
Affectionately known as the “grande old dame” of Naas, Lawlor’s Hotel has long stood as both a landmark and a gathering place at the heart of the town for generations. First opened in 1913 by the formidable matriarch Mrs Brigid Lawlor, the hotel has witnessed a century of race days, weddings, and lively showband nights, with the ballroom once pulsing to music from icons like Joe Dolan and Dickie Rock.
Today, after extensive renovations, Lawlor’s blends its storied past with modern comforts, offering guests a refined yet cosy experience.
Whether it’s afternoon tea in the opulent lobby, fine dining in Vi’s Restaurant, or one of the hidden nooks perfect for a quiet cup of tea, almost every corner carries a personal touch and a story of its own.
For me, the connection is especially personal. In 2013, I had my very first date with my now-partner of 12 years at this hotel. Since then, it has held a special place in our story. On this visit, I brought my sister along – well, someone had to hold the fort at home with the dog – and perhaps that’s why we’ve lasted over a decade together.
Since our first date we’ve returned many times to share dinners, lunches and celebrations with friends. but it’s been a while since I last stepped through the doors of Lawlor’s – seeing the renovations was breathtaking (it must be akin to how my other half felt when we first met).
After we had checked into our room, we took the lift down to the main lobby where you are greeted by the grandeur of its impressive refurbishment.
Vi’s Restaurant – named after glamorous socialite Violette Lawlor – Brigid’s daughter-in-law – combines Irish-crafted materials with high-quality finishes, intermingled with vintage pieces from owner Jack Tierney’s personal antique collection and eclectic finds from around the world.
Guests enter the restaurant through large brass doors salvaged from a Las Vegas cash desk; as you wait to be seated for dinner, you can sip a Lady Vi cocktail on a Monte Carlo casino chair, and admire a stunning stained-glass window from a Nevada chapel or marvel at the heat vents sourced from Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin, which now adorn the restaurant walls.
Superior double room.
Cocktail time
Cocktail in hand, we explored the menu, which celebrates locally sourced Kildare ingredients alongside a mix of fish, Irish beef, free-range chicken and plant-based dishes.
For starters, I opted for the panko-fried calamari with wasabi aioli salad (€13), which did not disappoint, while my sister Niamh chose the Irish goats’ cheese mousse (€13), equally delightful.
We both ordered the steak – which is a family tradition – we’re known for cooking steak within an inch of its life, so we leave it to the experts now.
As my sister’s 10oz Irish beef striploin steak (€38) with Portobello mushroom, caramelised red onion, overnight tomato and pepper sauce arrives at out table, I understand why we no longer cook steak at home.
I had opted for the steak on the stone (€40) 6oz prime Irish beef fillet and as a menopausal woman, instantly regretted it when the heat hit my face (if you know, you know). But I persisted – because, well it was steak and it was delicious.
We finished with dessert and with a nod to the woman herself, Mrs Lawlor’s Trifle (€9) – a classic boozy sherry trifle made using her own recipe.
A quick nightcap at the dramatic cone-shaped ceiling-height bar in the restaurant before bedtime and we were ready to retire for the evening.
Steak on a stone.
A new day
The next morning, we headed down to the breakfast buffet, with plenty of options to suit every taste. We both opted for the full Irish, and it did not disappoint – hearty, well-cooked, and exactly what you’d hope for to start the day.
The morning atmosphere was noticeably more relaxed than the evening – ideal for anyone who may have indulged in one too many Lady Vi cocktails the night before.
If you fancy stretching your legs after breakfast, Naas has a charming selection of independent shops and cafés to explore, before returning to the hotel to freshen up for the weekend’s food finale – Afternoon Tea.
As we arrived in the lobby, a wedding party had just landed, and the noise level quickly rose. My sister is neurodivergent, and I knew the hustle and bustle could be overwhelming for her, so I asked a young server, Holly, if there was any chance we could have our tea in a quieter area.
She couldn’t have been more accommodating. She quickly set us up in one of the cosy nooks just off the main check-in area – a lovely, peaceful space that felt private yet still connected to the hotel’s charm.
While we were away from the grand setting of the main lobby, we didn’t feel like we were missing out.
From the freshly baked scones served with Lawlor’s signature fruit jam to a generous selection of sandwiches and decadent sweet treats, our Afternoon Tea was a lovely end to our night away.
Whether you’re visiting for an overnight stay, a weekend escape, or even your first date, Lawlor’s continues to charm – and just might make you fall in love all over again.
Afternoon Tea is a delight.
Note: If you are planning a night away, it’s good to note that Lawlor’s is a popular choice for weddings and functions, particularly on Friday-Saturday. For guests who prefer a quiet escape, the hotel recommend a midweek stay to enjoy a more relaxed pace.
Two-night break with refreshments on arrival and dinner on one evening is from €422 based on two people sharing.
Overnight stay with breakfast from €189 based on two people sharing.
Afternoon Tea in The Lobby at Lawlor’s of Naas €35 per person. Sparkling Afternoon Tea (includes a glass of Prosecco), €42.50 per person.
Audrey was a guest of Lawlor’s Hotel.
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