Maynooth is the popular university town in north Kildare, home to Maynooth College, which was founded in 1795 and is famous for the education of the Irish Catholic priests. The college is now part of the National Universities of Ireland and educates people in all strands of academia. The name in Irish, Magh Nuadhat’, means the plain of Nuadhat, the maternal grandfather of the legendary Fionn MaCumhail.
Although the town itself is quite new, having been established in the 1700's, Maynooth as a settlement has a long and varied history. It was one of the principal seats of the Kildare branch of the Fitzgerald Family of whom John, the 6th Earl of Kildare erected a magnificent castle in 1426, Maynooth Castle. The castle was where the Silken Thomas, son of Garret Óg (ninth Earl of Kildare) rebelled against the King who had arrested his father. Unfortunately he was defeated and along with 5 uncles, executed in London. Maynooth Castle then became a royal castle and popular residence for the Lord Deputies of Ireland.
The town today is a vibrant commuter & student town with lots of walks, cafés, eateries and things to do.
Accommodation in Maynooth
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Things to see and do in Maynooth
- Spoil yourself at Carton House with a game of golf or some afternoon tea, if you time your visit well you may even see the Irish Rugby Team out practising their game!
- Step back in time with a tour of 13th Century Maynooth Castle (Seasonal opening times)
- For some indoor family fun on a rainy day, Airtastic Entertainment Centreis located just 10 minutes outside the town
- For the adventurous, hike on the Royal Canal way, all the way from Maynooth to the midlands.
Places to eat
Picaderos Argentinian Grill & Spanish Restaurant, Desmond House, Main Street
Tel: 00 353 1 629 2806
Avenue Café/Bar, Main Street
Tel: 00 353 1 628 5003
Oak Alley Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, Main Street
Tel: 00 353 1 610 6558
The Coffee Mill Bistro, Mill Street.
Tel: 00 353 87 294 1651
How to get to Maynooth
