List of national monuments in County Kildare facts for kids
The Irish government has officially said that the places listed below are "national monuments" in County Kildare. This means they are super important sites or buildings that the country wants to protect. Sometimes, even the land around them is protected to keep the monument safe.
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Amazing Places in County Kildare
Conolly's Folly
This is a very tall, pointed monument called an obelisk. It's also known as a "folly" because it was built just for decoration, not for a real purpose like living in or defending. It stands in Barrogstown West.
Castledermot Round Tower
You can find an old round tower and some ancient crosses here in Castledermot. Round towers were often built next to churches or monasteries in Ireland a long, long time ago.
Castledermot Abbey
This is the ruin of an old Franciscan friary in Castledermot. Friaries were like monasteries, but the monks (called friars) often lived among people and helped them.
Furness Church
This is an old church located in Forenaghts Great. It's a historic building that has been officially protected.
Grange Castle
This is a historic castle found in Grange West. Castles were often built for protection and as homes for important families long ago.
Jigginstown House
This is a large house that was built in the 16th or 17th century. It's located in Jigginstown and is now a protected national monument.
Kilteel Castle
Here you'll find the remains of a castle and an old cross in Kilteel Upper. Castles like this were important strongholds in the past.
Maynooth Castle
Maynooth Castle is a very important castle in Maynooth. It has a long history and was once a powerful fortress.
Moone High Cross
This is a famous high cross located in Moone. High crosses are tall stone crosses, often decorated with carvings that tell stories from the Bible or show other important scenes.
Mullaghreelan Rath
This site in Mullaghreelan is a ringfort. Ringforts were circular enclosed settlements, often surrounded by ditches and banks, used by people in Ireland many centuries ago.
Old Kilcullen
At Old Kilcullen, you can see an old church, a round tower, and some ancient crosses. This was an important religious site long ago.
Oughter Ard Tower
This site in Oughter Ard features a round tower and an old church. Round towers were often used as bell towers and places of refuge.
Punchestown Longstone
This is a large standing stone in Punchestown Great. Standing stones are ancient stones placed upright by people for reasons we don't always fully understand, but they are very old.
Rathcoffey Castle
What remains of Rathcoffey Castle in Rathcoffey Demesne is its gatehouse. This was the entrance to the castle, often heavily fortified.
St John's Tower
This tower in Skenagun was once part of a hospital. It's a historic structure that has been officially protected.
Taghadoe
In Taghadoe, you can find a historic round tower and an old church. These sites give us a peek into Ireland's ancient past.
