Maynooth: Castle History and the Royal Canal Greenway

Maynooth brings together a castle, college and library history; the Royal Canal Greenway also begins at the railway station. If you’re looking for a hotel in Maynooth, these different highlights can guide your plans: would you rather explore historical themes or spend time on the canal-side path?

Castle and Town History

Maynooth Castle is in a secluded spot in the centre of Maynooth. Its grounds are well maintained and include plenty of greenery. The castle was founded in the early 13th century. The keep houses an exhibition on the history of the castle and the FitzGerald family. This puts both the castle’s origins and the family’s history in focus.

The Maynooth Heritage Trail traces the town’s history from the Middle Ages through 1916 and the Irish struggle for independence and beyond. The National Famine Way, which passes through Maynooth, explores another historical theme. Small shoe statues along the section that runs through the town represent the children who made this famine journey. Exploring Maynooth’s history thus brings visitors both its long history as a town and a portrayal of the children on this journey.

College Chapel and Russell Library

The College Chapel at St Patrick’s College combines Gothic Revival architecture with devotional styles that were common in Irish church decoration in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It adds a perspective on the religious architecture of the period to the themes of the castle and town history.

The Russell Library preserves the historical collections of St Patrick’s College, founded in 1795 as a seminary to train Irish priests. The library holds around 34,000 printed works dating from the 16th century to the mid-19th century. External readers have access and are asked to make an appointment in advance. Exhibitions can be visited during opening hours without booking ahead. Check the current opening arrangements before visiting.

Royal Canal Greenway and Getting There

The Royal Canal Greenway begins at Maynooth railway station and runs for over 130 kilometres towards Cloondara. The relatively flat route is used by walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages and with varying abilities. Its towpath is generally flat and paved, and suitable for people of all ages and with varying abilities. Suitability also depends on maintenance, so check the current condition of the route before setting out. The Greenway provides a habitat for native wildlife.

Maynooth has good rail, bus and motorway connections to Dublin city centre. If you’re planning a trip to Dublin, check current connections and timetables for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Leixlip, Monasterevin, Droichead Nua, Kildangan, Castledermot, Ballymore Eustace, Johnstown, Moone

For the broader travel overview: County Kildare.