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family · Wednesday 15 July 2026 · 10:30am 
The Moat Theatre - Kids and Family Summer Shows
At The Moat Theatre · Main Street, Naas, Co. Kildare
At The Moat Theatre · Main Street, Naas, Co. Kildare
The Moat Theatre on Naas’s Main Street has been putting on shows since 1963, and its summer programme for families is one of the more reliable reasons to plan a day out in Kildare. Tickets start from €10 for children and €15 for adults - affordable for a full, proper theatre experience rather than a half-hour puppet corner at a festival. It suits kids who have never been inside a real theatre as much as it suits those who have, and the 200-seat studio space means every seat feels close to the action.
The Moat runs a mix of productions across the summer months - children’s drama, dance showcases, interactive performances and touring family shows. The theatre building itself has a black-box layout, which keeps the atmosphere intimate and makes it easier for younger children to stay engaged. Shows vary in age suitability: some are pitched at ages three and up, others at fives and older. The theatre’s own website lists each production with age guidance and running times, so it is worth checking before you book.
The venue has an on-site café, which makes it easy to arrive early, settle the children in with a drink, and then head into the auditorium without rushing. Advance booking is recommended - the summer shows tend to sell steadily, and popular runs can fill up with school holiday crowds.
The Moat Theatre itself has an interesting history. The Moat Club was formed in 1954 and opened the original 125-seat theatre in 1963. It was fully renovated and reopened in 2003 as an accessible, modern venue, funded through the Department of Arts and Naas Town Council. The name comes from the ancient motte nearby - a reputed meeting site of the Kings of Leinster.
Naas is the county town of Kildare, roughly 30 km south-west of Dublin city centre. By car it is a straightforward drive on the N7/M7, and the town is well sign-posted once you exit. Bus Éireann and Dublin Coach both run regular services between Dublin and Naas, making it a realistic trip without a car. The theatre is on Main Street, right in the town centre, within a short walk of the main town car parks off South Main Street and Friary Road. Parking is paid during daytime hours but free in most town centre car parks after 6pm.
Naas has a good range of cafes, a pleasant town square and the Kildare countryside on its doorstep - Punchestown racecourse and the Curragh are both nearby if you are making a full day of it. There is more to see in Naas and across Co. Kildare.
Heading to The Moat Theatre in Naas? Kildare has plenty more to see. Read the Naas area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.