History

Centuries of history with timeless hospitality

With a history spanning more than eight centuries, Carton House has seen many changes.

The estate first came into the ownership of the FitzGerald family shortly after Maurice FitzGerald played an active role in the capture of Dublin by the Normans in 1170 and was rewarded by being appointed Lord of Maynooth, an area covering townlands which include what is now our luxury hotel.

His son became Baron Offaly in 1205 and his descendant John FitzGerald, became Earl of Kildare in 1315. Under the eighth earl, the FitzGerald family reached pre-eminence as the virtual rulers of Ireland between 1477 and 1513.

However, the eighth earl's grandson, the eloquently titled Silken Thomas was executed in 1537, with his five uncles, for leading an uprising against the English. Although the FitzGeralds subsequently regained their land and titles, they did not regain their position at the English Court until the 18th century when Robert, the 19th Earl of Kildare, became a noted statesman.

First house at Carton

The first record of a house at Carton was in the 17th century when William Talbot, Recorder of the city of Dublin was given a lease of the lands by the fourteenth Earl of Kildare and is thought to have built a house. The house and lands were forfeited to the crown in 1691 and in 1703 sold to Major General Richard Ingoldsby, Master General of the Ordnance.

Experiences

2025 Tyrconnell Tower

Autumn Wellbeing Experience

2O9A0984 Edit

The Michelin Starred Experience

2025 Lennox Lodge Children Bedroom

Fairmont Family Experience

The Morrison Room Overnight

Overnight Spa Experience

2025 Lake Boathouse Walk

Bed & Breakfast with €100 Credit

Kathleen's Kitchen Overnight

Iconic Afternoon Tea Overnight

2025 Boat House

It Takes Two Golf Experience

The Lennox Lodge Experience