Maynooth University, Co. Kildare
Ireland’s only true university town, seamlessly splitting its identity across a stunning, historic 19th-century South Campus and a bustling, ultra-modern North Campus.
The Highlights
- The Historic South Campus: Steeped in history from its 1795 origins as St. Patrick’s College. It features striking Gothic Revival architecture, manicured lawns, and the beautiful St. Joseph's Square.
- The College Chapel: Located on the South Campus, this magnificent 19th-century chapel features world-renowned, ornate interior woodwork and stalls.
- The National Science Museum & Russell Library: Hidden gems on the historic grounds housing fascinating collections of historic scientific instruments (including inventions by Nicholas Callan) and rare, ancient manuscripts.
- The Modern North Campus: The high-energy, contemporary side of the university featuring cutting-edge architectural spaces like the Technology, Society and Innovation (TSI) Building and the John Paul II Library.
The Walks & Areas
- The South Campus Loop: A peaceful, contemplative walk through the old archways, the Bicentenary Gardens, and the uniform paths of St. Joseph's Square.
- The Kilcock Road Divide: The campus straddles the R148, with a main pedestrian link connecting the quiet, heritage-filled old campus to the vibrant, expansive new campus.
Essential Info (2026)
- Location: Maynooth, North Kildare. Perfectly situated with the South Campus gates sitting right at the edge of Maynooth town centre, a short walk from the train station.
- Access: The expansive campus grounds are open to public walkers daily. Regular Open Days allow prospective students and families full access to facilities, talks, and guided tours inside the major academic buildings.
- Facilities: Plentiful on-campus dining including the Phoenix Coffee Dock, Starbucks in the library, and spots in the TSI and John Hume buildings.
- Parking: Strictly managed via permit/pay-and-display during term times, but generally accessible for visitors and event attendees in designated zones.
