Maynooth Castle

The ruins of Maynooth Castle, while small, are beautiful in their own way. Well maintained for something that has almost completely crumbled away, it’s worth taking a look if you’re wandering past. I wouldn’t travel too far just to see it, but it’s nice to have these sort of sights on your doorstep.

Before you visit the castle you should know that this is a ruin. It hasn’t been restored and only has a very small visitor centre.
Personally the fact that it hasn’t been restored is what would attract me to it, who wants to see a restoration when they can see ruins?! Ruins are so much more authentic and take fabulous pictures.
Admission onto the property is free which is great but beware as the gate is not always open throughout the year — when we were younger we used to hop over the fence.
Things to notice at the castle: 1. the crest on the front of the castle has two monkeys on it, you should find out why 2. the Geraldine-​style toilet outlet 3. The alcove in the archway at the back of the property where the guard used to hide with his sword
I’d recommend this place on a sunny day

I was so disappointed when I got to Maynooth. I love history and am very interested in the Geraldines, so I really wanted to visit their castle while in Ireland. Well… there’s no castle left. There’s basically two towers and a few ruins, but there’s not anything to see.