Maynooth Castle

The medieval Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland is a topic often enough touched in my blogs. Here is a last sad, but beautiful, example.

Maynooth Castle is a 13th-century Norman castle built in the times of Strongbow. With the 1534 rebellion of Silken Thomas, it was bombarded by English siege guns ... the medieval walls could not resist. After that, the leaders were executed and the family took Carton House as their seat. Today, the restorated castle is open for visitors.

A colourful illustration depicts medieval times in a vivid style, good to help the visitors.

The main figure should be the Duke of Leinster, Earl of Kildare, from the Fitzgerald family.

Looking up the tower into the blue sky, you see the typical square Norman architecture.

The stone walls are quite robust, but of course were no match for early modern siege cannons ...

The adjacent park with majestic arches invites you to stroll and contemplate history ... or just relax.

Photo gallery