I’ve passed through Maynooth many times but I’ve never stayed there. I’ve always liked the look of the town. My wife went to University there and she loved it. So to celebrate my wife’s birthday, and to have what we felt was a much needed weekend break, we took advantage of some special offers in Carton House, just outside Maynooth.
Carton House was fantastic. We didn’t avail of the Spa or the golf facilities but we did walk on the trails and play tennis for the first time in years. The food was good too and we enjoyed the dinner and breakfasts that came with the offer. I didn’t realise it before arriving, but Damian Duff and Newcastle were booked for pre-season training, and the following week Ronaldo and Real Madrid were also going to spend 10 days there. Our paths didn’t really cross!
As I said, I’ve never spent any time in Maynooth, but since it was within easy walking distance of Carton House (via Carton Avenue), we enjoyed a lovely stroll while being entertained by the aerobatic swifts (at least I think they were swifts) skimming the ground catching flies. If you ever see them in action it’s an absolute treat.
But I didn’t expect the surprise that was in store as we walked towards Maynooth University – Maynooth Castle was open and free to explore.
The castle was the main home of the Kildare branch of the Geraldines or FitzGeralds. It’s hard to avoid The FitzGeralds when studying Irish History. We were allowed to explore the castle on our own and then Rita, who must know everything there is to know about the history of Maynooth Castle, Carton House and The FitzGeralds, had us jumping back and forth through the centuries imagining battles, conspiracies and betrayals. Without doubt a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide like Rita is far superior to a leaflet or pre-recorded audio.
Then we moved on to the University. Walking though an arch-way into the South Campus, with Callan Hall on the right we heard the sound of someone very talented practicing piano for what I imagined was an up-coming recital. The hall is named after Nicholas Callan who is best known for his work on the induction coil. The south campus is lovely, the gardens in St. Joseph’s Square are beautifully kept and the buildings are imposing. The rock garden at St. Mary’s Square was another surprise. I can imagine spending hours there reading, sketching or just doing absolutely nothing. Throughout all of this the College Chapel is never far from sight.
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