MAYNOOTH CASTLE

Saturday we visited Maynooth Castle, in Maynooth. It is open only from June - October and has free tours. They also have an exhibit inside the Keep on the history of the castle and the family. We didn't take the tour, but wandered about on our own, and went in to read and see the exhibit. The exhibit includes a small model-size mock-up of the original castle and town.

Maynooth Castle was founded in the early 13th century and became the principal residence of the Kildare branch of the Geraldines. The Kildare FizGeralds became one of the most powerful families in Ireland with Maynooth Castle being one of the largest and richest Earl houses. Garret Mor, known as the Great Earl of Kildare, governed Ireland in the name of the King of England from 1487-1513 and under his son, Garret Og the 9th Earl, the Castle became the centre of political power and culture. The original Keep, constructed c.1203, was one of the largest of its kind in Ireland.



These next 3 pictures are up on top of the castle:







Maynooth Castle sits at the entrance of The National University of Ireland, Maynooth. This university used to be called St. Patrick's College. This is a really cool building on the University campus. Sorry the pictures looks a little tipsy...I promise you the photographer wasn't. :0)