Maynooth Castle

23/10/2026

CROM ABÚ! – Best of Luck Maynooth GAA🏐

We would like to wish Maynooth GAA and everyone involved the very best of luck as they prepare for TWO county finals! 👏

We encourage everyone to get behind the Maynooth hurling and football teams as they aim to make history. Your support can make all the difference!

A proud heritage stretching back centuries - ❌

Did you know that Maynooth’s famous crest and motto, Crom Abú, have their origins in the FitzGerald dynasty, the powerful Earls of Kildare who made Maynooth Castle their stronghold?

Crom Abú was the ancient war cry of the Kildare FitzGeralds, meaning “Croom to victory!” or “Croom forever!” It was associated with Croom Castle in Co. Limerick, a stronghold associated with the FitzGerald family. Abú is a traditional Irish battle cry expressing victory or triumph.

Together, Crom Abú is commonly translated as “Croom to victory!” or “Croom forever!” The motto distinguished the Kildare FitzGeralds from their cousins, the FitzGeralds of Desmond, whose war cry was Shanet Abú, associated with Shanid Castle.

The motto was later incorporated into the coat of arms of the Dukes of Leinster, the senior branch of the Kildare FitzGeralds.

And what about that monkey on the FitzGerald crest?

According to family legend, a pet monkey saved the infant John FitzGerald from a fire at Woodstock Castle in Athy, Co.Kildare. The remarkable story became associated with the family’s coat of arms, giving the historic crest a rather unusual feature! 🐒

From the medieval stronghold of Maynooth Castle to the sporting fields of today, the FitzGerald legacy remains part of the town’s identity. And what better motto for two county finals than Crom Abú! ⚔️

We wish the Maynooth hurling and football teams every success! Maynooth Abú! 🏆

21/10/2026

The Heritage Ireland Magazine is out now!
We have a jam-packed issue for you - with articles on our itinerary offerings to help you explore Ireland, a look behind-the-scenes of the EU Presidency, the OPW's community engagement and so much more!
Read the full magazine online: https://tinyurl.com/Heritage-Ireland-Magazine

OPW - Office of Public Works Fáilte Ireland Tourism Ireland

20/10/2026

With Halloween approaching, we’re turning our attention to one of the most fascinating and mysterious figures in Irish history. Gerald FitzGerald, the 11th Earl of Kildare, better known as the ‘Wizard Earl’ 🧙‍♂️🗡️

It’s hardly surprising that a man who lived such an extraordinary life would become the subject of equally extraordinary legends. Gerald was associated with alchemy and astrology, and folklore even claimed that he possessed magical powers and the ability to shapeshift!

The Ghostly Riders of the Curragh -
One chilling tale tells of a blacksmith crossing the Curragh on a foggy night in the late 19th century. Suddenly, he heard the sound of approaching hooves. Out of the mist emerged a mysterious band of knights, their armour glinting in the moonlight.
Their leader asked the blacksmith to inspect his horse’s silver shoes. When told they were in perfect condition, he appeared disappointed before leading his riders back into the fog.

The blacksmith later discovered that he had supposedly encountered Gerald FitzGerald himself — a man who had been dead for centuries!

Three Places, One Legendary Figure. The legends of the Wizard Earl are closely associated with three historic locations in County Kildare -

⚔️ Maynooth Castle – Once the principal residence of the FitzGeralds of Kildare, folklore claims that Gerald’s spirit returns to the castle gates every seven years, mounted on a white horse to watch over his ancestral home.

🏰 Kilkea Castle – Dating back to the medieval period, Kilkea is associated with tales of Gerald riding a white horse with silver-shod hooves. Some stories even speak of phantom hoofbeats echoing through the courtyard!

🐎 The Curragh – According to legend, the Wizard Earl still roams these vast plains, ready to rise and defend Ireland in its hour of need. One of the most enduring traditions claims that he will return when Ireland needs him most.

A man of history became a figure of legend, and centuries later, the stories continue to fascinate us. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy the folklore, the Wizard Earl remains one of County Kildare’s most intriguing historical characters.

📖 These stories draw on extracts from -

Haunted Ireland: An Atlas of Ghost Stories from Every County – Kiernan Fanning

Ireland’s Uncrowned Kings – Alan Cleary & Katherine Colthurst

The Wizard Earl of Kildare: Gerald FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Kildare - Katherine Colthurst

All available from - The Maynooth Bookshop

17/10/2026

Local history events continue this October in Maynooth!

Ireland at Sea – Four Ships. Four Tragedies. 🚢

A FREE illustrated historical talk at The Maynooth Bookshop on Thursday, 22nd October at 6:30pm!

Did you know that the Fitzgeralds of Kildare, Maynooth Castle, the town of Maynooth and County Kildare all have connections to the story of the RMS Titanic? 🚢

Discover these fascinating local links and explore Ireland’s wider connections to four famous liners whose stories remain deeply embedded in maritime history.

This illustrated talk will explore the history of three other ships -

⚓ RMS Lusitania – the passenger liner whose tragic sinking shocked the world.

⚓ RMS Empress of Ireland – the Canadian Pacific liner lost in one of the deadliest maritime disasters in Canadian history.

⚓ RMS Leinster – the mailboat torpedoed in the Irish Sea during the First World War, with devastating consequences for Ireland.

Discover the passengers and crew, the tragic events surrounding each sinking, and the Irish communities and connections behind these remarkable stories. From international maritime disasters to the local history of Kildare and Maynooth, there is much more connecting Ireland to these four vessels than you might expect!

📍 Venue: Maynooth Bookshop, Maynooth
📅 Date: Thursday, 22nd October 2026
⏰ Time: 6:30pm
🎟️ Admission: FREE

How to get your tickets -

🎫 Visit a Eventbrite and search for Ireland at Sea – Maynooth Bookshop.

📧 Email - [email protected] or [email protected]

📞 Alternatively contact Maynooth Bookshop on - (01) 628 6702.

An an evening of local, Irish and maritime history as we uncover the stories of Four Ships. Four Tragedies. Ireland at Sea.

15/10/2026

On This Day In Irish History 15th October 1763 🇮🇪

Lord Edward FitzGerald - Revolutionary Born in Maynooth.

On October 15th 1763 at Carton House, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Lord Edward FitzGerald became one of the leading figures of the United Irishmen and a central figure in the Irish Rebellion of 1798.

The fifth son of James FitzGerald, 1st Duke of Leinster, and Lady Emily Lennox, Edward was born into one of Ireland's most prominent aristocratic families. Despite his privileged upbringing, his political views would lead him to challenge the very system in which he had been raised.

FitzGerald served as an officer in the British Army during the American War of Independence. However, inspired by the American and French Revolutions, he increasingly supported the cause of Irish independence. He believed in uniting Catholics and Protestants in the pursuit of an independent Irish republic.

By 1796, he had become a leading member of the Society of United Irishmen, supporting plans for a French-assisted uprising against British rule.
In May 1798, just days before the planned rebellion, FitzGerald was arrested in Dublin. During the arrest, he was seriously wounded and subsequently died on June 4th 1798, aged just 34, while in custody.

Although he did not live to see the rebellion unfold, Lord Edward FitzGerald became an enduring symbol of the struggle for Irish independence.

It is a fascinating historical irony, Lord Edward FitzGerald is buried just feet away from Major Henry Charles Sirr, the very man who shot and arrested him. They both rest at St. Werburgh's Church on Werburgh Street, located right off Lord Edward Street in Dublin

13/10/2026

Bridge of Time” – Maynooth Through Art

A beautiful oil painting on canvas by local artist Leo Prendergast Art, measuring 3ft × 2ft, depicts Maynooth’s churches, college and castle. It is on display this week as part of the Castle Keep Art Exhibition.

Titled “Bridge of Time”, Leo’s painting celebrates Maynooth’s rich heritage and the historic landmarks that have shaped the town across the centuries, fittingly as we celebrate Maynooth 850. 🏰

📍 Location: St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Maynooth
📅 When: Tuesday to Friday this week
🕖 Time: From 7pm each evening

Why not drop in and enjoy the exhibition? You’ll have the opportunity to admire all the wonderful paintings created by Leo and the rest of the Castle Keep Art group!

Come along, celebrate Maynooth’s history and discover the town through the eyes of local artists!🎨

11/10/2026

Reminder 💭

09/10/2026

History enthusiasts of Maynooth - There’s plenty to discover and to enjoy this October! 📚🎭🙌

Although Maynooth Castle has closed for its well-deserved winter break, our guides and historians had a busy summer filled with historical talks, tours and events. But the history doesn’t stop when the castle doors close! October brings a fantastic programme of events celebrating Maynooth’s rich heritage, culture, music and fascinating connections to the FitzGerald family. There’s plenty for history enthusiasts to enjoy

Many of these events form part of the Maynooth 850 celebrations, alongside events organised by the Maynooth 850 historical society, local groups & organisations, musicians, and the Maynooth Bookshop in association with Historic Hibernia.

📅 HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MAYNOOTH!

🎶 Monday 12 October – The Big Session
Push for Porter and Friends. Traditional Irish music & trad.
📍 St Mary's Church of Ireland, Maynooth
🕢 7:30pm

🏰 Tuesday 13 October – Maynooth History Panel Discussion
Discover aspects of Maynooth's history and the impact of the FitzGeralds, exploring family, education and employment. Chaired by Jerome Reilly.
📍 St Mary's Church of Ireland, Maynooth
🕢 7:30pm

🎭 Wednesday 14 – Friday 16 October – No Pastry for the King.
Enjoy an entertaining and humorous play written by Declan O'Connor, produced and directed by John Bean, and performed by the AnNuadha Players, supported by Maynooth Brass and Reed Band.
📍 St Mary's Church of Ireland, Maynooth
🕢 7:30pm

🎨The Maynooth Castle Keep Art Group will also exhibit paintings reflecting historical aspects of Maynooth throughout the events at St Mary's Church of Ireland.

🎻 Saturday 17 October – Kildare Orchestra
Head to the Glenroyal Hotel for a much-anticipated performance by Kildare's own 60-piece orchestra. Kildare is one of the few counties fortunate enough to boast its own orchestra, making this a wonderful musical occasion!

🚪 Doors open at 6:30pm
🎼 Concert begins at 7:30pm
📍 Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth

⚓ Thursday 22 October – Four Ships. Four Tragedies. Ireland at Sea.

Join Historic Hibernia at Maynooth Bookshop for a free illustrated historical talk exploring the Irish connections behind four of the most famous and tragic liners in maritime history.

🚢 RMS Titanic
🚢 RMS Lusitania
🚢 RMS Leinster
🚢 RMS Empress of Ireland

What connects these four ships to Ireland? Discover the stories of their passengers and crew, their tragic sinkings and the loss of life, and the communities across Ireland forever touched by these maritime disasters.

📍 Maynooth Bookshop
📅 Thursday 22 October
🕡 6:30pm
🎟️ Free Talk - All welcome

🎫 Tickets for the above events are free and available through Eventbrite.ie.

Whether you're passionate about local history, the FitzGeralds, theatre, music or Ireland's maritime past, there's something for everyone to enjoy this October!

Let's celebrate Maynooth's remarkable history and the wonderful people and organisations keeping it alive.

08/10/2026

The Solar Tower 🏰

The solar tower, a private living space for the FitzGerald family, derives its name from the Latin word solus, meaning "solitary".

Unlike the more public space of the great hall, the solar was intended for the family's exclusive use, housing their bedchambers and a multilevel private garderobe (toilet). These chambers were accessed via a spiral staircase. A guard post within the tower provided for security during times of unrest.

Perhaps the most intriguing feature of the solar tower is its emergency escape route. A concealed door leading out towards the nearby rivers. Accessible only by ladder, this escape route was further protected by the castle's only surviving murder hole proving that even in the comfort of their private residential space, defence remained a key concern. ⚔️

Source: Extract taken from Ireland’s Uncrowned Kings – Power, Intrigue and Rebellion from the Heart of Maynooth. 📖

06/10/2026