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Local Attractions
In & Around Maynooth
Uncover Ireland’s Ancient East and discover places to go and things to do in Maynooth. Looking for some inspiration for a weekend adventure during your Glenroyal Hotel stay? Check out our list below!
Local Attractions
Castletown House
Castletown House is Ireland’s earliest and largest Palladian-style country house, set on a 500-acre estate in Celbridge, County Kildare. Built in 1722 for William Conolly, Speaker of the Irish House of Commons, it showcases the elegance of 18th-century aristocratic life. After falling into decline, it was rescued in the 1960s by the Hon. Desmond Guinness and has since been carefully restored by the Irish Heritage Trust. Today, it is a major heritage attraction welcoming thousands of visitors each year and is located just 10 minutes’ drive from Glenroyal Hotel.
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Maynooth University
The National University of Ireland, Maynooth, commonly known as Maynooth University, is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland. It is also the only university town in Ireland and 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.
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Maynooth Castle
Maynooth Castle is a ruined 12th century castle in Maynooth which stands at the entrance to the South Campus of Maynooth University, just a 5-minute walk from the Glenroyal Hotel. The building itself was constructed in the early 13th century, and it became the primary residence of the Kildare Fitzmaurice and Fitzgerald family. Gerald Fitzmaurice’s descendants became the Earls of Kildare and Earls of Leinster.
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The Royal Canal Greenway
To walk or cycle from Leixlip to Maynooth along the Royal Canal Greenway will take about two hours in total. But what two hours it’ll be. The Royal Canal Greenway stretches from Dublin through Kildare, Meath, Longford and Westmeath, and this section of it is perfect for walkers. Great for scenic walks or a cycle before a hearty meal in Shoda Market Café.
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Donadea Forest
Donadea Forest Park includes Donadea Castle and estate, the former home of the Aylmer family up until 1935. There are many historical features including the remains of the castle and walled gardens, St. Peter’s church, an icehouse and boat house. Another feature of the park is the 9/11 Memorial; a scaled replica of the twin towers carved in limestone. The small lake is brimming with ducks, waterhens and has a beautiful display of water lilies in the summer. There is a café open throughout the year.
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Horse Racing in Co. Kildare
Explore iconic Irish horse racing venues including The Curragh Racecourse, Punchestown Racecourse and Naas Racecourse — all located within a short drive of Glenroyal Hotel. Perfect for a race day getaway in Ireland’s famous horse racing region.
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Horse Country
Ireland’s reputation as the heartland of the Thoroughbred is unmatched, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in this heritage than through Horse Country. With exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the very core of horse racing and breeding, an extraordinary journey through Ireland’s most esteemed equestrian traditions awaits.
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Golfing
Golfing is a popular activity in and around Maynooth thanks to the great selection of golf courses nearby. Carton House’s O’Meara and The Montgomerie golf courses are a 10-minute drive from Glenroyal Hotel while The K Club is less than 15 minutes from our hotel.
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Abbeyfield Farm
Abbeyfield Farm offers a truly magical setting for pony and horse trekking and is only a 15-minute drive from the Glenroyal Hotel. Set on over 240 acres they have a vibrant Equestrian Centre with daily ride-outs available for all standards.
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Arthur’s Way
Arthur’s Way is a heritage trail across north-east County Kildare that follows in the footsteps of Arthur Guinness. In just 16 km, it links many of the historic sites associated with Ireland’s most famous brewers – the Guinness family. Follow the Royal Canal beside the Glenroyal Hotel, to start the trail in Leixlip at the Arthur Guinness Square.
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Bog of Allen Nature Centre
The Bog of Allen Nature Centre is only a 34-minute drive from the Glenroyal Hotel and makes for both an informative and fun day out. The museum is full of interesting and eye-catching exhibits, explaining the culture significance of the boglands and how bogs are preserved. The staff are very friendly and helpful, making this a great day out for all the family.
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Donadea Forest Park
Located between Maynooth and neighbouring Kilcock, Donadea forest is a lovely place to wander for a few hours, by yourself or surrounded by family or friends. The forestry is gorgeous at all times of year, but particularly in autumn as the leaves change colour. A firm favourite in the area for locals and visitors alike.
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Maynooth University
Maynooth is the only university town in Ireland, and as a result NUI Maynooth is naturally the focus of the whole town. Thankfully, the campus is beautiful, with gorgeous old stone buildings and lush greenery throughout. The resemblance to the fictional Hogwarts has not gone unnoticed as the university has been referenced as such by many international publications.
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Maynooth Castle
Maynooth Castle is a historic ruin of a 13th century castle standing at the entrance of Maynooth University’s South Campus. The admission is free, but if you choose to go on a guided tour (for a small fee) the guides are incredibly knowledgeable and very helpful. The gardens and the gatehouse are also accessible to the public, perfect for a walk after the tour.
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Kildare Village
Kildare Village is a designer outlet shopping village featuring 60% off, year-round reductions on an exclusive selection of over 50 international brands. Retail therapy at its finest and only a 40-minute drive away from the Glenroyal Hotel.
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