Architecture of Kildare

1203 – Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

In 1176 Strongbow granted the manor of Maynooth to Maurice Fitzgerald who erected a castle for protection against the native Irish.

1210 – St. David’s Castle, Naas, Co. Kildare

Also known as King John’s Castle, and is the last surviving example of the many fortified houses in the town of Naas.

1223 – St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare, Co. Kildare

St. Brigid’s Cathedral, most recently rebuilt in the 19th century, stands on the original site of the nunnery founded by St.

12th C. – Round Tower, Kildare, Co. Kildare

The 32-m (round tower in Kildare is the second tallest in Ireland. The tower was most likely rebuilt in the 12th century onto the granite block foundation of the original structure dating from the sixth or seventh century.

1302 – Franciscan Friary, Castledermot, Co.Kildare

Founded in 1302 by Thomas, Lord of Ossory and plundered in 1317. The church was originally a rectangle with transepts added in the 1320s.

1630 – St Mary’s Church of Ireland, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

St Mary’s Church of Ireland is, curiously, incorporated into the outer wall of St Patrick’s College, and was originally built as a private chapel for the castle.

1636 – Jigginstown House, Naas, Co. Kildare

Architect: John Allen

Jigginstown also known as Sigginstown House, or Strafford’s Folly was 380ft in length, making it one of the largest unfortified structures built in Ireland.

1722 – Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare

Architect: Alessandro Galilei & Edward Lovett Pearce

Castletown is the largest and grandest Palladian country house in Ireland. It was built for William Conolly (1662-1729),

1724 – Oakley Park, Celbridge, Co. Kildare

Architect: Thomas Burgh

Oakley Park, formerly Celbridge House, was built in 1724 by Arthur Price when he was vicar of Celbridge,

1730s – St Wolstan’s, Celbridge, Co. Kildare

The buildings of St. Wolstan’s priory were probably converted into a house for Sir John Alen before his death in 1561.