Posted: 14 Jun 2023
Maynooth Things To Do And See
Here is a brief look at what there is to do in Maynooth, when you are visiting the Glenroyal Hotel. This quaint village is full of history and is a great place to spend the day wandering around. Check out our special offers and discover the seasonal deals, family offers and spa & dining packages.
History of Maynooth
Maynooth was just inside the western edge of the Pale and has at either end two former seats of the Dukes of Leinster: Maynooth Castle and Carton House. Maynooth Castle was a stronghold of the 16th century historical figure Thomas FitzGerald, 10th earl of Kildare who was better known as Silken Thomas. Maynooth Castle original keep begun around 1200 and was one of the largest of its kind in Ireland.
The lands at Carton belonged to the FitzGerald family from 1176 and it was not until 1739 that the project of building Carton House by renowned architect Richard Castles was commissioned. Maynooth was historically a long-term centre for the FitzGerald family who dominated affairs during Anglo-Norman and Tudor periods.
Things to Do in Maynooth
Shopping
- Go shopping around the town with a mix of independent and large-scale retail available. From ladies and mens fashion to sports clothing to books there is something for everyone.
Royal Canal
- Take a stroll or rent a bike and explore the Royal Canal Greenway. Located right just a 5-minute walk from the main street, it is the perfect was to spend the day with family or friends. Why not stop into Shoda Café and refuel with some delish coffee and pastries!
Dining Out
- Maynooth has a vibrant restaurant and bar scene with lots of different places to sample. From tradition Irish pub, upscale wine and cocktail bars or elegant fine dining, there is something to suit all palettes. The night doesn’t stop there with a vibrant nightlife with live music available most weekends.
Carton House Golf Course
- Play a round of golf at one of two Carton House championship golf courses, with exquisite views and impeccably maintained fairways, it offers an exceptional golfing experience. Choose between the O’Meara or Montgomerie courses and play the venue that hosted the 2005,2006 and 2013 Irish Opens along with the 2018 World Amateur Team Championships.
Things to See in Maynooth
Maynooth University & St Patrick's College
- Maynooth is the only university town in Ireland, home to Maynooth University which comprises of an older southern campus with 19th century buildings, shared with St. Patrick’s College and across a public road a modern northern campus with around 100 acres. Other than apply to this fine academic institution, one can do a lot of sightseeing here too! The resemblance to the fictional Hogwarts has not gone unnoticed as the university has been referenced as such by many international publications.
The college buildings are impressive – Gothic architect Augustus Pugin had a hand in designing them – and the grounds contain several lofty Georgian and neo-Gothic buildings, gardens, and squares. It's worth taking the guided tour to see the College Chapel, the world's largest choir chapel, with stalls for more than 450 choristers.
Maynooth Castle
- Take a visit to Maynooth Castle and see the 12th century castle which was once the primary residence of the Fitzmaurice Fitzgerald families. Descendant of the Fitzmaurice family became Earls of Kildare and Earls of Leinster. The Office of Public Works have restored the site to develop it into a Heritage Site and it is now open to the public from June to October.
Carton Avenue
- Take a stroll down the magnificent Carton Avenue and enjoy the beautiful 1,100 acres of sweeping parkland, ancient woodlands lakes and the meandering River Rye. The lands at Carton belonged to the FitzGerald family from 1176 and it was not until 1739 that the project of building Carton House by renowned architect Richard Castles was commissioned.
Directions to Maynooth
By Car:
Maynooth is around 25 km from Dublin City Centre. Head west and take junction 7 (signposted Maynooth/Straffan/Naas) off the M4 and follow the signs to Maynooth. From Maynooth you can take the M4 towards Sligo and Galway.
By Air
Maynooth lies just 33km south-west of Dublin Airport, around 40 minutes travel time by car. Over 50 airlines operate from 170 destinations to Dublin Airport, with up to 600 flights per day. Visit the Dublin Airport website for flight details. The Airport Hopper Shuttle bus will take you directly from the airport to Maynooth.
By Train:
Maynooth lies on the Western Suburban railway line which serves the four Dublin city centre stations (Pearse Station, Tara St, Connolly Station and Docklands). The journey into the city centre is around 45mins.
By Bus:
Maynooth is served by two TFI routes – the C4 and the C3. Both buses depart from Dublin City Centre and run frequent services to the town. See the TFI website for full details. Bus Eireann operates daily services from: Athlone, Ballina, Galway, Longford, Mullingar, Sligo, Tuam and Westport.
