Maynooth Castle

01/11/2026

Maynooth Abu! 🏐❌

Senior Football Final Day has arrived!

Best of luck to the team and management!

All support is needed today in Newbridge🖤🤍

31/10/2026

🎃Happy Halloween from us at Maynooth Castle🎃

Wishing everyone a spooky night filled with a little history, a few ghost stories and plenty of Halloween magic! Stay safe and enjoy the festivities! 👻

Remember, keep your eyes peeled for the Wizard Earl of Kildare on his magnificent white horse! You might spot him galloping across the Curragh Plains, wandering the streets of Maynooth or keeping watch over his beloved Maynooth Castle. 👀

After all, he's said to be its guardian…although we wouldn't rule out him making an appearance for a spot of trick-or-treating himself! Just don't ask him for a trick… you might get more than you bargained for as he’s known to shape shift into a raven 🐦‍⬛

Have a frightfully good Halloween! 🕸️🦇

30/10/2026

Halloween at Maynooth Castle -
Where History Meets Mystery! 🏰🎃

Today, Maynooth Castle stands in ruins, but imagine its glory days in the late 15th and 16th centuries, when it was home to the powerful FitzGeralds, Earls of Kildare.

Among its most legendary residents were Garret Mór, the Great Earl, said to possess the power to curse his enemies, and his grandson Gerald FitzGerald, the 11th Earl, better known as the Wizard Earl, who was rumoured to have the ability to transform himself into different shapes.

As the end of October drew to a close, the castle would have been alive with activity, with fires burning in the great hall, feasts taking place and preparations underway for winter.

The community celebrated Samhain, the ancient Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest. Bonfires blazed, and stories of spirits, the Púca and the supernatural were shared. For medieval Christians, October 31st was also the vigil of All Saints' Day, followed by All Souls' Day, when the departed were remembered so on the 30th, many would of been busy preparing for such!

So, this Halloween, as the autumn winds sweep through the old castle walls, perhaps we can imagine the spirits of the FitzGeralds still watching over their ancestral home! 👀

History, folklore and a little Halloween magic – Maynooth Castle has plenty of stories to tell! 👻

29/10/2026

The Earls of Kildare & Leap Castle ⚔️

This Halloween, we venture into the dark history and eerie legends of Leap Castle, one of Ireland’s most infamous haunted castles, where tales of bloodshed, betrayal and the supernatural have endured for centuries.

Legend tells of Garret Mór Fitzgerald, the Great Earl of Kildare, whose reputation for power and cunning military leadership was so formidable that stories of his supposed supernatural abilities became woven into Irish folklore. When he sought to bring the powerful O’Carroll clan of Leap Castle to heel, tales emerged of a terrible curse cast upon those who dared to defy the Fitzgeralds.

The conflict did not end with Garret Mór. His son, Garret Óg Fitzgerald (pictured) father of the infamous ‘Silken Thomas’ would also become embroiled in struggles with the O’Carrolls, as the Fitzgeralds sought to extend their influence over the region.

But was it simply a matter of military strength, political ambition and bitter family rivalries? Or did later folklore transform these bloody confrontations into something far darker — a tale of curses, vengeance and supernatural forces?

Today, Leap Castle remains synonymous with Ireland’s haunted past. Its grim reputation, surrounded by stories of murder, restless spirits and unexplained happenings, continues to capture the imagination.

Whether rooted in historical events or embellished through generations of storytelling, the legends of Leap Castle remind us that in Ireland, history and folklore often walk hand in hand. 🕯️

28/10/2026

300 years of Gulliver’s Travels! 📖

First published on this day, 28th of October 1726, Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels celebrates its 300th anniversary! But did Ireland’s landscapes, powerful aristocratic families and personal rivalries inspire one of the most famous literary adventures of all time? And was Swift simply telling a story, or settling a few old scores? 🤔

The Earl of Kildare & the Lilliputians ✍️

An intriguing tradition links Swift to Robert FitzGerald, the 19th Earl of Kildare. According to local family lore, Swift fell out with the Earl and supposedly modelled the tiny Lilliputians on him and his court. Was this literary genius at work, or was Swift getting the last word in an aristocratic argument? Even great writers may have enjoyed a little revenge!

The FitzGeralds had held lands at Carton since the 1170s, with Maynooth Castle serving as their principal residence. Robert married Lady Mary O’Brien, and their children included James FitzGerald, who became the 1st Duke of Leinster. In 1739, the family repurchased the lease of the Carton estate for £8,000 — quite a sum, even without Lilliputian taxes!

The Ape of Woodstock Castle & Crest 🐒

One of the most fascinating legends associated with the FitzGeralds concerns their famous crest.
According to tradition, an infant named John was forgotten during a fire at Woodstock Castle, near Athy. As the room went up in flames, the Fitzgerald’s pet ape reportedly rescued the child. In gratitude, John, 1st Earl of Kildare, adopted monkeys as part of his families coat of arms.

The story takes another literary twist. It has been suggested that Swift, having quarrelled with the 19th Earl, included a giant ape in Gulliver’s Travels to mock his rival. In one memorable episode, a giant ape carries Gulliver away and attempts to feed him.

Could Swift have been taking a swipe at the FitzGeralds and their unusual crest? There is no definitive proof, but if true, it would be one of history’s more creative cases of monkey business!🙊

Swift, Vanessa & Celbridge 🏛️

Swift’s Kildare connections also include Esther Vanhomrigh, better known as ‘Vanessa’. Swift coined the name in his 1713 poem Cadenus and Vanessa, inspired by their relationship. Esther lived at Celbridge Abbey, and Swift frequently travelled from Dublin to visit her. Their relationship eventually broke down, and Esther died in 1723.

Romance, poetry and heartbreak — Swift’s real life certainly had enough material for a novel of its own!

The sleeping giant of Belfast! 🗿

Local tradition also connects Swift’s imagination with Belfast’s Cave Hill, particularly Napoleon’s Nose, a basalt outcrop resembling a giant lying asleep on the horizon. Some have suggested this remarkable landscape helped inspire the giant imagery in Gulliver’s Travels. Whether fact or folklore, it certainly gives a whole new meaning to having a giant on your doorstep!

From Belfast’s Sleeping Giant to the FitzGeralds of Maynooth and Carton, and Vanessa in Celbridge, Ireland is full of fascinating connections between history, folklore and literature.

As we celebrate 300 years of Gulliver’s Travels, perhaps the real adventure lies in discovering the Irish stories behind the story.

And who knows? Somewhere in Swift’s world, an Earl may still be fuming about being made a Lilliputian! 👀📚

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