Maynooth Castle

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. 📖

October at Maynooth Castle – Entering the Winter Half of the Year 🍂

For people living in medieval Ireland, October was a significant time of transition. The harvest was being completed, livestock were brought down from summer pastures, and preparations were made for the long, cold months ahead.

As the days shortened and the darkness grew, the agricultural year was drawing to a close. Meat and fish was salted and preserved, while many crops and vegetables and other provisions were carefully stored.

But October was more than simply a practical time of year. The approach of Samhain marked the traditional transition from the lighter half of the year into winter. Ancient beliefs surrounding this time held that the boundary between our world and the Otherworld was less secure, with supernatural beings and the aos sí.
(A supernatural race in Irish and Scottish folklore, translating literally from the Irish as "people of the mounds" or often seen and believed to be “fairies”).

And what might October have meant here at Maynooth Castle? 🏰

Within and around the castle, October would have been a busy period: food and fuel had to be stored, livestock managed, provisions prepared and the household made ready for the coming winter.

The castle itself would have become an increasingly important centre of security and shelter as the days grew shorter. Outside its walls, the rhythms of farming and rural life continued, while within them the FitzGerald household prepared for another Irish winter.

So, as October arrives once again, spare a thought for those who stood within Maynooth Castle centuries ago — watching the leaves fall, the nights lengthen, and winter approach. 🍂🏰

If you’ve visited Maynooth Castle, you may have walked through one of its lesser-known features without realising just how important these small entrances could be in a medieval castle.

The Postern Gate was a small secondary entrance, separate from the castle’s main gatehouse. Tucked into the castle’s defences, it provided a more discreet way in and out of the stronghold.

In medieval castles, postern gates could serve several purposes -

Sally port — defenders could use them to make surprise sorties against an attacking force during a siege.

Discreet movement — messengers, scouts or important occupants could enter or leave without using the main entrance.

Emergency exit — a secondary route could prove valuable if the main entrance was compromised.

Everyday access — they could also be useful for the movement of people and smaller loads without opening the heavily defended main gate.

Their small size was part of their defence. A narrow entrance created a natural chokepoint, making it much easier for defenders to control anyone attempting to force their way through.

At Maynooth Castle, the Postern Gate forms part of the surviving medieval fabric of this important FitzGerald stronghold. So, next time you visit the castle, take a moment to look beyond the great gatehouse — some of the most interesting stories can be found in the smaller details. 👀 🗡️🏰

While Maynooth Castle and grounds are taking their winter break, there are still plenty of things to see, visit and explore in Maynooth and the surrounding area. Why not make a day of it and discover some of the town’s history, heritage and beautiful scenery?

📍 St Patrick’s College
Right beside the castle, St Patrick's Pontifical University, Maynooth was founded in 1795. A fascinating place to visit, with beautiful architecture, history and scenic walks.

🚶 Maynooth Tidy Towns Heritage Trail
Explore various points of interest and places of historical significance throughout the town. Take a map and go exploring or contact Maynooth Tidy Towns Association for information about tours.

🛍️ Maynooth Market
Every Saturday from 10am–3pm at the Square, with local businesses, traders and plenty to browse. Come along and support the local Maynooth Local Market

🏛️ The Avenue Walk & Carton House
Take a scenic and historic walk along the avenue towards Carton House, A Fairmont Hotel, the former home of the Dukes of Leinster.

🚲 Royal Canal & Greenway
Perfect for a walk or cycle, with beautiful scenery and a fascinating connection to Maynooth’s transport and industrial heritage.

🚢 Free Historical Talk
Ireland at Sea: Titanic, Lusitania, Leinster & Empress of Ireland

📅 Thursday 22nd October
⏰ 6:30pm
📍 The Maynooth Bookshop

A free illustrated historical talk by titanic historian Alan, exploring Ireland’s fascinating maritime connections — from the passengers and crew to the tragic sinkings, loss of life and communities across Ireland touched by these ships. Discover the stories behind RMS Titanic, RMS Lusitania, RMS Leinster and RMS Empress of Ireland, uncover some fascinating local connections and explore their remarkable legacy in Ireland’s maritime history. ⚓️

And if you’re looking to explore more heritage, check out the OPW’s other local heritage sites through the link below. 👇

https://heritageireland.ie/

Have you ever wondered why some windows are blocked up at Maynooth castle? 👀 🏰 🧱

Visitors to Maynooth Castle will often notice the blocked-up windows and openings in the Solar Tower but very few ever get to see what lies behind them.

The Solar Tower is not open to public viewing, but we can give you a glimpse here and explain a little about why these openings were altered and blocked.

In 1849, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert made their historic first visit to Ireland, and their journey brought them to Carton House, Maynooth, the magnificent home of the FitzGeralds, Dukes of Leinster.

The royal visit was an important occasion for the area, and the 3rd Duke of Leinster, Augustus Frederick FitzGerald, took great care to present the estate and its surroundings in the best possible light.
Maynooth Castle received particular attention.

The medieval ruins were tidied and railed off, emphasising the importance of the FitzGerald stronghold. The Duke was also responsible for work on the Solar Tower, including structural and architectural repairs to openings, windows and archways. These alterations helped stabilise the medieval structure while also preserving elements of its historic appearance.

Augustus also maintained the famous lime-tree avenue connecting Carton House with Maynooth Castle and St Mary's Church. As a board member of the Royal Canal Company, he also played a role in ensuring the canal passed close to Maynooth and the FitzGerald family's lands.

Today, the connection between the Duke, his family and Maynooth can still be seen. Augustus Frederick FitzGerald, 3rd Duke of Leinster, and his wife, Lady Charlotte, are buried in the crypt of St Mary's Church, directly opposite Maynooth Castle.

Just because Maynooth Castle is closed for the winter months doesn’t mean you can’t still come and enjoy Maynooth!

Why not pop by Maynooth Market this weekend?
📍 The Square, Maynooth
🕙 10:00am – 3:00pm

While the castle may be taking its winter break, Maynooth itself never stops. Enjoy! 👍

Come spend your Saturday with us ☀️

The sun has come out and we’ve a great mix of local vendors and makers on Court House Square today.

Come down, have a browse, pick up something lovely and say hello. ❤️

🕙 10AM to 3PM
📍 Court House Square, Maynooth

For anyone who missed Monday evening’s RTÉ Nationwide, you can still catch the programme on RTÉ Player! 🎥🎬

As part of the Maynooth 850 celebrations, the Nationwide team visited Maynooth and filmed at Maynooth Castle, as well as meeting with local people, organisations and community groups involved in celebrating this very special milestone. We’ve had lots of enquiries from visitors asking about the programme, and we’re delighted to say it was an excellent feature!

Maynooth has an incredible history stretching back 850 years, from its medieval origins and the FitzGeralds to the town, community and heritage we know today.

So, if you missed it on Monday, why not take some time to watch it on RTÉ Player and discover more about the fascinating history of Maynooth and why this anniversary is so important!

A huge thank you to RTÉ and Nationwide for showcasing Maynooth and helping to share its remarkable story!

Watch it now on RTÉ Player and celebrate 850 years of Maynooth, Link to the RTE player below.👇🍿

Nationwide 2026-09-21 The Nationwide team is in Maynooth, County Kildare as the town celebrates its 850th anniversary. Presented by Richard Downes. Watch Nationwide 2026-09-21 on RTÉ Player for free

THE 2026 SEASON HAS ENDED 🛡️⚔️🏰

And just like that, our 2026 visitor season has come to an end! Maynooth Castle is now closed for the winter period and will reopen to visitors in 2027.

We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who visited us throughout the 2026 season. It has been another fantastic year at Maynooth Castle, and we have greatly enjoyed welcoming visitors from near and far.

Thank you to every individual, family, school and visitor who came through our gates, joined a guided tour, explored the castle for themselves, attended one of our talks or simply came along to enjoy this wonderful part of Maynooth's history.

Although the castle is now closed to visitors for the winter, our page and email will remain active throughout the off-season. We will continue sharing historical information, stories and photographs, as well as keeping you up to date with upcoming talks, events and other OPW activities.

For further information, please visit heritageireland.ie or contact us by email at [email protected].

Thank you once again for making the 2026 season such a memorable one.👏

From all of us at Maynooth Castle — thank you and see you next season! 👋

Maynooth Castle – End of the 2026 Season 🏰🗡️

A little reminder to all our visitors that tomorrow, Wednesday 23rd of September, marks the final day of the 2026 season at Maynooth Castle.

Please note that self-guided visits only will be available tomorrow, with no guided tours taking place.
The Castle and its grounds will then close for the winter months as we bring another season to a close.

As we reach the end of another busy and memorable season, we would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who visited and supported Maynooth Castle throughout 2026.

A special thank you goes to all the primary and secondary schools as well as the third-level educational groups who visited us during the year, as well as the many local organisations, community groups and historical societies, such as the Maynooth 850.

We are also very grateful to everyone who joined our guided tours, our historical talks, events and Heritage Week activities, and to those who simply came along to explore the Castle and its historic grounds.

Your enthusiasm, interest and continued support for Maynooth Castle and its history are greatly appreciated. It has been a fantastic 2026 season, and we look forward to welcoming you all back when we reopen in 2027. 👏

Thank you for visiting Maynooth Castle and helping us keep its history alive. ⚔️🛡️