Maynooth in County Kildare is a bustling town at the outer periphery of the Greater Dublin region. At the gates of the town’s university lie the ruins of Maynooth Castle from the 13th century. Located just a stone’s throw away is Ireland’s oldest native tree, a yew tree, that was planted in the 12th century. East of the town lies Carton House, a former manor house that is now home to a golf club and a 4-star hotel.
On the property you can walk along the river Rye through parklands with many old trees. At several points bridges span over the river, and lead to fascinating buildings such as the so-called “Shell House” on the photo above – a building from a bygone era whose inner walls are decorated with shells. An equally remarkable building is a boat house close to the mansion (see photo).
