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Maynooth Castle

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Maynooth Castle, located in County Kildare, was built around 1200 and served as the seat of the Fitzgerald family, one of the most powerful Anglo-Norman dynasties in Ireland. The castle played a pivotal role in Irish wars of the 16th century, notably during the Desmond Rebellions. After being destroyed by Parliamentarian forces in 1647, it gradually fell into ruin. Today, remains of the mighty fortress survive, including the impressive keep and sections of the curtain wall. The castle is renowned for its association with the nearby Maynooth University, which was established on the former castle grounds. The site is a protected monument and open to the public, with guided tours detailing the Fitzgeralds' history and the castle's strategic importance.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: ICA Hall · Saint Mary's · Geraldine's Castle
Nearby: Ashbourne (20 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	6	6	6	8	11	14	15	15	14	11	8	7
Rain mm	86	70	70	61	67	76	80	91	76	102	106	97

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Maynooth Castle is partly a ruin, but the preserved tower and gatehouse are open to the public. Entry is typically free, with donations appreciated.

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Typical hours

The castle typically has seasonal opening hours, often from April to September on certain weekdays. Check the local tourism office website for specifics.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the public area. Flash and tripods may be restricted indoors; follow on-site signage.

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Time needed

Allow about 45 minutes to one hour to visit the castle ruins and tower. Combined with the university campus, it can extend to two hours.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with Maynooth University campus, which has historic buildings. The nearby Carton House with its gardens is also worth a trip.

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Getting there

Maynooth Castle is located in the centre of Maynooth, opposite the university. Reachable from Dublin by train in about 30 minutes; parking in the town is limited.

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Insider tip

Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds. The adjacent university campus also has a pleasant walk through historic quadrangles.

Geography

Coordinates

53.37940, -6.59190

Facts

Built around 1200
Seat of the Fitzgerald family
Destroyed in 1647 during the Irish Confederate Wars
Ruins include keep and curtain wall sections
Located in County Kildare
Maynooth University established on former castle grounds

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Maynooth<1 km · NEExplore →

Emerald Park17 km · NEExplore →

Naas19 km · SExplore →

Kilmainham Gaol20 km · EExplore →

Ashbourne Business Park20 km · NEExplore →

Cabra20 km · EExplore →

Dunsoghly Castle20 km · EExplore →

Teeling Whiskey Distillery21 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Maynooth Castle (10)

ICA Hall

Arts centre in Maynooth, Ireland, used for community events.

Saint Mary's

Church of Ireland church in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland.

Geraldine's Castle🏰 castle

Castle in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland.

Maynooth Castle

Castle in County Kildare, Ireland, a historic residence.

Maynooth Keep🏰 castle

Castle tower in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland.

The Sun Clock

Sundial in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland.

Pugin Hall

Building in Maynooth, Ireland, part of the university.

National Science Museum🏛 museum

Science and ecclesiology museum in County Kildare, Ireland.

Bond Bridge

Bridge in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland.

Handball Courts (Ruins)

Ruins of handball courts in Maynooth, County Kildare.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is Maynooth Castle open?

Seasonally from June to October, usually daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Is there an entry fee?

No, admission is currently free.

Who owned the castle in the past?

It was the main seat of the powerful Fitzgerald family.

Are there guided tours there?

Yes, free guided tours are offered during opening hours.

How old is the castle?

The keep dates back to the early 13th century.

Maynooth Castle: where is it located?

Maynooth Castle is located in Ireland.

Maynooth Castle: what is there to see?

Highlights include ICA Hall, Saint Mary's, Geraldine's Castle.

Maynooth Castle: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Maynooth Castle: why is it worth visiting?

Maynooth Castle, located in County Kildare, was built around 1200 and served as the seat of the Fitzgerald family, one of the most powerful Anglo-Norman dynasties in Ireland.

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