The Norman Invasion of Ireland in the late 12^th Century had a significant impact on the future of Ireland and the development of Maynooth.

In 1176, Maurice Fitzgerald was granted lands which included much of County Kildare. He was keen to secure his holding and to profit from the lands so he built their first Castle where two small rivers meet which was the beginning of the settlement of Maynooth.

From their arrival at Maynooth, the Fitzgerald power increased in influence with the Monarchs as well as within Ireland. Maynooth Castle was the seat of their power.

In 1316, King Edward 11 appointed John Fitzgerald, the First Earl of Kildare and he was appointed Lord Justice in 1320 a role he held until his death in 1326.

For the next 200 years the family built connections in England and a reputation for enforcing English laws in Ireland.

They collected taxes and kept the peace in Ireland by controlling rival families, thus avoiding the need for costly English soldiers to be here. They ran Ireland for the crown.

The reign of Henry V111 (1509 – 1547) was an interruption.

His advisors, among them Thomas Cromwell warned of the power of the Fitzgeralds in Ireland and a concern over their loyalty, particularly around his Reformation plans.

Henry summoned the 9^th Earl of Kildare to London, accusing him of corruption and treating Ireland like a personal kingdom.

His son the 10^th Earl Thomas Fitzgerald (known as Silken Thomas) believing that his father was imprisoned in London decided to launch a rebellion against English forces.

In March 1535, Cannons were fired from Crewhill by Sir William Skeffington’s forces to suppress the rebellion. After a ten-day battle they took control of Maynooth Castle.

There was some belief that Christopher Paris (foster brother of Silken Thomas) helped crown forces to capture the castle by feeding his rebels too much alcohol and he was killed for being a traitor. Silken Thomas, his father and uncles were also executed.

By 1554, the Fitzgeralds had their estates, titles and power  restored.

In the 17^th Century, Irish Wars with conflicting alliances, saw Owen Roe O’Neill take Maynooth Castle in 1647.

The family left Maynooth, moving to Kilkea Castle, Dublin and England.