Founded around 1203 by Maurice FitzGerald, it became the principal seat of the powerful FitzGerald Earls of Kildare, one of the largest and most important Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland. The keep, gatehouse and great hall ruins stand beside St Patrick's College, with an OPW visitor centre telling the Fitzgerald story.
Visiting Maynooth Castle
Yes, OPW managed, seasonal guided tours
"Founded around 1203 by Maurice FitzGerald, it became the principal seat of the powerful FitzGerald Earls of Kildare, one of the largest and most important Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland."
Where to stay nearby
The closest castle hotel is Barberstown Castle, 5.88 km away in Straffan — Built in 1288 by Nicholas Barby, one of Ireland's oldest continuously habited castles, later extended with Elizabethan and Victorian wings; owned by Eric Clapton from 1979-1987.
Nearest castle hotel · 5.88 km
Barberstown Castle
Straffan, Co. Kildare · 4-star
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