Maynooth Castle Guided Tours and Exhibition

What to Expect

Maynooth Castle sits at the end of the main street beside the entrance to Maynooth University, and the Office of Public Works keeps it open daily through the summer season, which runs until 23 September 2026. Admission and guided tours are free.

The keep was built around 1200 and became the power base of the FitzGeralds, earls of Kildare and for a long stretch the most powerful family in Ireland. Its great hall functioned as a centre of political power and culture, and Garret Mor, the Great Earl, governed Ireland on the king’s behalf from 1487 to 1513 from this site. There is an exhibition inside the keep covering the history of the castle and the family, and the guides fill in the rest, including the siege of 1535 that broke FitzGerald power. There is a picnic area on the grounds. Access for visitors with limited mobility is restricted and there are no toilet facilities on site. Groups of ten or more need to book in advance.

Good to Know

• Season: open daily until 23 September 2026
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM, last admission 5:15 PM
• Venue: Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
• Price: free, including guided tours
• Exhibition on the castle and the FitzGerald earls inside the keep
• Picnic area on the grounds
• Groups of ten or more must book ahead: 01 628 6744 or maynoothcastle@opw.ie
• Limited disability access and no toilets on site

Getting There

Maynooth is about 25 km west of Dublin, directly off the M4 and signposted from the motorway. The castle is at the western end of the main street, beside the entrance to Maynooth University, and town centre parking is nearby. Maynooth railway station is on the Dublin Connolly commuter line to Longford and Sligo, with frequent services from the city, and the castle is a short walk from the station. Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann also serve the town.