Visitor Attractions and Campus Information
THINGS TO DO IN THE MAYNOOTH REGION
Maynooth Campus
The university campus itself is full of historical interest. The Geraldine Castle at the south campus gate is open to the public. As you approach Stoyte House, where St Patrick's College was established in 1795, you pass an ancient yew tree under which Silken Thomas is reputed to have played his harp.
St Joseph's Square, accessed via one of two impressive archways, is dominated by the Neo-Gothic facade of St Patrick's House, designed by A.W. Pugin. Enter the cloisters at the President's Arch to gain access to the splendid College Chapel, distinguished by a fine rose window, stalled seating and mosaic work in the aisle. The cloisters look onto the quadrangle featuring the Bicentenary Garden, developed in 1995 and themed on passages from the Book of Genesis.
At the rear of St Mary's House, on the western side of the Bicentenary Garden, an extensive parkland features beautiful walks, impressive trees and quiet spaces.
The National Science Museum is also located on the south campus.
Golf
Maynooth is surrounded by some of the best golf courses in Ireland. From internationally renowned championship courses to lesser known gems there's a range of challenging options for the discerning golfer. For information click here.
Horse Racing
Visit The Curragh, home of the Irish Classics, Naas or Punchestown racecourses for a taste of Irish racing at its best. The Irish Derby at the Curragh, the famous Irish National Hunt Festival at Punchestown and excellent facilities Naas Racecourse offer visitors a wonderful choice of racing.
Angling and Walking
A wide choice of rivers and canals, many with towpaths, are definitely worth a visit. There are also 2 long distance way-marked ways, the Barrow way and the Kildare way, and numerous looped walks and trails.
Heritage and Gardens
If you enjoy seeing other people's beautiful houses and gardens then County Kildare is the place for you. From the grandest Palladian mansions to captivating, exotic gardens, we have a wide selection of wonderful places to delight and surprise you.
Walking Tour of Kildare Town
Learn about the mythology of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and St Brigid, patroness of the Gaels.Key stops along the route include St Brigid’s Cathedral, a Norman tower house, the site of the Turf Club, and the twelfth century Franciscan Abbey.
Motor Racing
Take a trip to Mondello Park near Naas, Ireland's only international motor racing circuit.
Motor sport enthusiasts can watch some of the most exciting cars manufactured today race on the challenging Mondello circuit.
South Kildare Heritage Trail
Follow the historical trail through the south county. South Kildare is an area well worth visiting for a taste of Irish history including castles, churches and high crosses. The Moat of Ardscull is one of the many historical places on the route to discover.
County Kildare Touring Routes
Sample the richness and diversity of County Kildare's heritage reflected in the places of interest listed in these three Touring Routes. There is much to do and see on the North Kildare, Mid Kildare and South Kildare Tourist Routes including museums, castles and gardens.
The Gordon Bennett Route
Classic and vintage car lovers take note: discover the fore-runner of modern international motor racing by retracing the original route of the 1903 Gordon Bennett Cup race through counties Kildare, Laois and Carlow.
