Maynooth Castle

“Behind Every Great Man… The FitzGerald Women and Their Connections” is now SOLD OUT! 🎟️

A huge thank you to everyone who has booked and shown such wonderful interest in our Heritage Week talks. We’re looking forward to welcoming you to Maynooth Castle! 🏰

There is still some limited availability for our other two Heritage Week talks -

🚢 Titanic and Her Kildare Connections
Monday, 17th August | 12:00pm

👑 The “Wizard Earl” – Gerald FitzGerald
Friday, 21st August | 12:00pm

Both talks take place at Maynooth Castle and are free, but booking is strongly recommended as places are becoming very limited.

📧 [email protected]
📱 Message us on Facebook
☎️ 046 942 2270

Don’t miss out — book your place while availability remains!

Ever wondered what dinner at a medieval castle actually looked like? 🤔

For much of the medieval period, food and drink were very different from what we know today. Water was not always safe to drink, so people commonly drank ale, wine, mead and cider instead. This didn't necessarily mean everyone was permanently merry, fermentation and brewing could make drinks safer than contaminated water. 🍻

If you were poor, your diet was often pretty basic. Rye bread, beans, cabbage and turnips could make up much of the daily menu, with very little meat. If you were particularly lucky, you might catch a rabbit or a fish to add to the pot.

But if you were wealthy? You could expect considerably more meat, although your modern-day taste buds might still have filed a formal complaint!

Medieval cooks loved salt, spices, vinegar and strong flavours, including cinnamon, cloves and garlic. Salt was essential for preserving meat, while spices were prized and expensive. And despite the popular story that spices were mainly used to disguise rotten meat, they were actually valued for their flavour, status and culinary uses. Sugar was also a luxury, so honey was often the sweetener of choice.

And then there was the bread…🍞
The idea that medieval bread was routinely stuffed with cobwebs, dust and sand is probably more folklore than standard medieval baking, although contamination and poor-quality flour certainly could be a problem!

And if you were dining at a great medieval castle…
Birds were a favourite feature of wealthy tables. Pies could contain all sorts of birds, from larks and pigeons to much grander dishes. Pigeon pie was particularly associated with the FitzGeralds of Kildare.

At Maynooth Castle, great feasts could be held in the Great Hall for important occasions, welcoming scholars, political figures, ambassadors and other distinguished guests. 🤝

Imagine walking into the great hall here at Maynooth Castle, roaring fire, long tables, candles, musicians, enormous dishes of food… and somewhere in front of you, a pigeon pie, the favourite dinner of the Earls of Kildare!🥧

☘️ National Heritage Week Events August 2026

🚢 Titanic and Her Kildare Connections.
Monday, 17th August | 12:00pm

Discover the remarkable Irish and Kildare stories behind the world's most famous ship. From local passengers and crew to Father Browne's iconic photographs and Ernest Shackleton's surprising role in the Titanic Inquiry, this talk uncovers connections you may never have known existed.

👑Behind Every Great Man... The FitzGerald Women and Their Connections.
Tuesday, 18th August | 12:00pm

Meet four extraordinary women whose influence helped shape the history of the FitzGerald family, from medieval Wales to Carton House. Their stories reveal the often-overlooked figures behind one of Ireland's greatest dynasties.

⚔️The Wizard Earl of Kildare.
Friday, 21st August | 12:00pm

An opportunity to hear the extraordinary story of Gerald FitzGerald, the legendary "Wizard Earl," half brother of the infamous rebel ‘Silken Thomas’. Explore the myths, legends and historical events that made him one of Ireland's most intriguing noblemen.

📍All talks take place at Maynooth Castle
🎟️Free admission

Spaces are filling up fast for our upcoming Heritage Week talks, and we expect them to book out as they have proven very popular in previous years.
To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking your place as soon as possible.

📧[email protected]
📲message us here on Facebook
📞(01) 628 6744

Visitor Information
•Please note there are no public toilets on site.
•There is no parking at the castle.
•Paid on-street parking is available nearby.
•Easily accessible by public transport.
•Train: Pearse, Tara Street & Connolly Stations
•Bus: C3, C4, W6, 139 & 115
•Due to the historic nature of the building, access is limited for visitors with mobility issues.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us today for our Silken Thomas & the Siege of Maynooth Castle talk! ⚔️

This talk has been presented every season since 2013 by OPW guide and historian Alan, and today's event marked the second Silken Thomas talk of this season. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended today's talk, as well as all those who came along to the earlier presentation this year. Your support and enthusiasm for our local history is always greatly appreciated. 👏

The good news is that there's plenty more to look forward to!

As part of Heritage Week, we have more FREE talks coming up very soon here at Maynooth Castle. We'll be sharing details of these events over the next couple of days, so keep an eye on our page.👀

We look forward to welcoming many of you back again, and to meeting new faces who would like to discover the fascinating stories about local & Irish history as well as more history associated with Maynooth Castle and the Fitzgerald family.

See you again soon! 👋

Did You Know? 🤔

One of the lesser-known members of the famous FitzGerald family of Kildare was Pamela, Lady Campbell, the eldest daughter of the revolutionary Lord Edward FitzGerald, one of the leading figures of the 1798 Rebellion, and his French-born wife, Pamela Syms.

Born in Dublin, Pamela grew up in the shadow of one of Ireland's most famous patriots. She later married Sir Guy Campbell, a distinguished soldier who fought at the Battle of Waterloo and was awarded a baronetcy for his military service. Following her husband's death in 1849, Pamela turned to writing.

Between 1853 and 1866, she published four books, including the children's stories ‘The Story of an Apple’ and ‘The Cabin by the Wayside’, followed by the novels ‘Martin Tobin’ and ‘A Woman's Confession’. She was also a close friend of the celebrated Irish novelist Sydney, Lady Morgan.

Pamela died in London in 1869. One of her obituaries described her as "a great conversationalist", praising her remarkable collection of stories about many of Europe's most celebrated figures. During her lifetime she had met the Duke of Wellington, Lord Byron, and Thomas Moore, and delighted others with her wealth of anecdotes about these famous personalities.

Pamela's younger brother, Captain Edward Fox FitzGerald, was the only son of Lord Edward FitzGerald. He served as a captain in the 10th Hussars, 3rd Dragoons and the 52nd Foot, married Jane Paul in 1827, and later died at Carton House, Maynooth. He was buried in St. Mary's Church, opposite Maynooth Castle, where his connection to one of Ireland's most famous families is still remembered today.

The story of the FitzGerald family extends far beyond the events of 1798, revealing a remarkable legacy of soldiers, writers, revolutionaries and fascinating personalities whose lives shaped Irish history.

🖼️ First Image - Pamela, Lady Campbell as a child with her mother, Lady Edward Fitzgerald.

Make the most of the August Bank Holiday by stepping back in time! 🗓️

Whether you're exploring the magnificent ruins of Maynooth Castle, wandering through one of Ireland's many historic castles, abbeys, stately homes or heritage sites, there's no better weekend to discover the incredible stories that shaped our past.

History isn't just found in books—it's waiting to be explored. 🙌

This Bank Holiday Weekend, you can explore extraordinary heritage sites around Ireland. With a wide range of family events and inspiring itineraries there's something for everyone to enjoy✨
➡️Summer Guided Tours of National Botanic Gardens of Ireland Co. Dublin everyday throughout July and August
➡️Red Hugh & Three Women - an evening of music culture and history at Donegal Castle Co. Donegal on 31st July
➡️Bully's Acre Cemetry Tour, Co. Dublin on 2nd August
➡️Lughnasagh Celebrations and Ancient Customs, Traditions & Crafting at Sligo Abbey on 3rd August
➡️Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre Famers Market on 2nd August and Living History Display -bringing the 17th Century to life on 3rd August

🔗Plan your visit and find more information on upcoming events at heritageireland.ie

A Month of History at Maynooth Castle.🏰

Join us for this years Heritage Week for a fascinating series of FREE historical talks at Maynooth Castle.

Special Pre-Heritage Week Event -

⚔️The Rebellion of Silken Thomas & the Siege of Maynooth Castle
Wednesday, 5th August | 12:00pm

Before Heritage Week officially begins, step back to one of the most dramatic chapters in Irish history. Discover how Thomas FitzGerald, better known as Silken Thomas, launched a rebellion against King Henry VIII that culminated in the famous Siege of Maynooth Castle. Learn about the rebellion, the brutal siege, and the lasting impact these events had on the mighty FitzGerald dynasty.

📍 Maynooth Castle
🎟️ Free admission

_____________________________________

☘️ National Heritage Week Events August 2026

🚢 Titanic and Her Kildare Connections
Monday, 17th August | 12:00pm

Discover the remarkable Irish and Kildare stories behind the world's most famous ship. From local passengers and crew to Father Browne's iconic photographs and Ernest Shackleton's surprising role in the Titanic Inquiry, this talk uncovers connections you may never have known existed.

_____________________________________

👑 Behind Every Great Man... The FitzGerald Women and Their Connections
Tuesday, 18th August | 12:00pm

Meet four extraordinary women whose influence helped shape the history of the FitzGerald family, from medieval Wales to Carton House. Their stories reveal the often-overlooked figures behind one of Ireland's greatest dynasties.

_____________________________________

🧙 The Wizard Earl of Kildare
Friday, 21st August | 12:00pm

An opportunity to hear the extraordinary story of Gerald FitzGerald, the legendary "Wizard Earl," and explore the myths, legends and historical events that made him one of Ireland's most intriguing noblemen.

_____________________________________

📍 All talks take place at Maynooth Castle
🎟️ Free admission

Booking recommended-
📧 [email protected]
📞 (01) 628 6744

Whether your interests lie in medieval Ireland, the Tudor period, the FitzGerald dynasty, or the Titanic, there's something for everyone in this year's programme.

Full Heritage Week programme and booking information -

https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings?q=Maynooth+

Visitor Information
•Please note there are no public toilets on site.
•There is no parking at the castle.
•Paid on-street parking is available nearby.
•Easily accessible by public transport.
•Train: Pearse, Tara Street & Connolly Stations
•Bus: C3, C4, W6, 139 & 115
•Due to the historic nature of the building, access is limited for visitors with mobility issues.

We look forward to welcoming you to Maynooth Castle this August for another month of fascinating history! 🙌

Under 18s Go Free this August at OPW Heritage Sites

Looking for unforgettable family adventures this summer?
From 1–31 August, all visitors under 18 can enjoy FREE admission to participating OPW heritage sites across Ireland.

Step inside medieval castles, explore ancient monuments, wander magnificent gardens and historic houses, and uncover thousands of years of Ireland's rich heritage. Whether you're planning a day trip or a summer road trip, there's something for everyone to discover.

Learn more: https://cutt.ly/Kytd9MyT

Plan your visit, browse family-friendly itineraries and book tickets where required at heritageireland.ie.

Please note:
• Free admission for under 18s is available 1–31 August 2026 only.
• All visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• The offer applies to all fee-paying OPW heritage sites except Kilmainham Gaol and Brú na Bóinne.


Heritage Ireland Trim GAA Discover Ireland Fáilte Ireland Boxer Moran

"I cast away all obedience..." ⚔️

One of the most dramatic moments in Irish history unfolded inside St. Mary's Abbey, Dublin, when ‘Silken Thomas’ burst into the King's Council meeting accompanied by a company of fully armed followers.

The room fell silent as Thomas publicly renounced his loyalty to King Henry VIII, setting Ireland on the path to rebellion. Among those present was Archbishop George Cromer, the Lord Chancellor and a long-time supporter of the FitzGerald family.

Deeply moved, Cromer was brought to tears as he pleaded with Thomas to reconsider. He urged him not to seek revenge until he knew for certain that the rumours of his father, the Earl of Kildare's, ex*****on were true, warning that haste could bring disaster.

His words went unheeded and the consequences would change Irish history forever.

Join OPW tour guide & historian Alan, as he explores the dramatic rebellion of Silken Thomas, the Siege of Maynooth Castle, and the downfall of the mighty FitzGerald dynasty. 🗡️🛡️

🗓️Wednesday, 5th August
🕛 12:00pm
📍 Maynooth Castle
🎟️ Free admission (booking recommended)

To book -
📧 [email protected]
💬 Message us here on Facebook
📞 046 942 2270

Visitor Information:
• Free admission
• Exhibition on site
• No public toilets on site
• No onsite parking
• Paid on-street parking available
• Due to the historic nature of the castle, access is limited for visitors with mobility issues.

Extracts from ‘Ireland's Uncrowned Kings’ history book about the FitzGerald dynasty and Maynooth Castle. 📘

Upcoming Historical Talk at Maynooth Castle ⚔️

Join OPW tour guide and historian Alan for a fascinating journey into one of the most dramatic episodes in Irish history – The Rebellion of Silken
Thomas and the Siege of Maynooth Castle.

Discover the story of Thomas FitzGerald, 10th Earl of Kildare (1513–1537) better known as ‘Silken Thomas’ whose rebellion against the infamous King Henry VIII changed the course of Irish history.

Learn about the causes of the uprising, the dramatic siege of Maynooth Castle in 1535, and the lasting impact these events had on Ireland and the powerful FitzGerald dynasty.

📅 Wednesday August 5th
🕛 12:00pm
📍 Maynooth Castle
🎟️ Free admission (booking recommended)

To book -
📧 [email protected]
💬 Message us here on Facebook
📞 046 942 2270

Visitor Information -
•Free admission
•Exhibition on site
•No public toilets on site
•No onsite parking
•Paid on-street parking available
•Due to the historic nature of the building, access is limited for visitors with mobility issues.

Step back into the turbulent world of Tudor Ireland and uncover the dramatic story of Silken Thomas, Henry VIII, and the fall of one of Ireland's greatest medieval castles. We look forward to welcoming you! 🗡️🛡️