Nestled in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, County Kildare’s history is both long and venerable. Archeologists today believe that the first people to inhabit the region dated as far back as the Neolithic period. Among the most prevalent examples of prehistoric settlement in the county include the Broadleas stone circle and a hill fort known as “Dún Ailinne.” But the first written historical records date to the time of the Roman Empire, when the Greek mathematician Ptolemy recorded the presence of a coastal town near the mouth of the River Barrow. The populace then underwent widespread Christianization during the 5th century, with churches appearing at places like Naas, Moone, and Kilcullen. One of County Kildare’s greatest landmarks, the Cathedral of St. Brigid, emerged a century later at the western edge of Curragh Plain. Wealth quickly flowed into the monasteries, making them an attractive target for Viking raiders by the height of the Dark Ages. Vikings in turn descended upon the local network of monastic settlements, with most arriving through Dublin’s harbors. Some even decided to create their own towns, establishing such communities as Leixlip and Salmon Leap. 

The Viking raids eventually ended though, only to give rise to another foreign threat—the Anglo-Normans. Led by Richard “Strongbow” de Clare, the Anglo-Normans were a group of French knights who constituted the ruling class of England following William the Conqueror’s successful conquest of the kingdom. At first, the Anglo-Normans—at the behest of King Henry II—arrived to aid the deposed Irish King of Leinster. But soon enough, independent armies under the command of de Clare invaded Dublin and began annexing large swathes of territory across the eastern half of the island. The ruling Irish clans were pushed south into the swamps and mountains, where they waged a prolonged guerilla war that lasted for generations. Nevertheless, the area that now constitutes County Kildare was mainly settled by the descendants of those first Anglo-Norman knights. Peace came to the region gradually though, as the Anglo-Norman nobles increasingly adopted Irish customs and married into native families. Still, English influence permeated everywhere, especially after the region was formally created as a county in 1297. Along with the counties of Dublin, Meath, and Louth, County Kildare formed the basis of “The Pale”—an area of eastern Ireland under the direct rule of the English Crown. 

English—and later British—power over the county grew over time, with the Tudors assuming a more direct role in its governance during the 16th century. Then, in the mid-17th century, Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell seized countless landholdings after his New Model Army invaded the southwestern part of Ireland amid the Eleven Years’ War. Such political activities fomented great resentment among the Irish in County Kildare, including those who hailed from the Anglo-Norman dynasties. In fact, Lord Edward FitzGerald—a direct descendant to the Earls of Kildare and the Dukes of Leinster—was a major organizer in articulating that outrage. Fitzgerald was part of a movement called the “United Irishmen,” which had originally been formed by Theobald Wolfe Tone, Thomas Russell, and James Napper Tandy in 1791. Inspired by the American and French Revolutions, the United Irishmen ultimately wanted to transform Ireland into a republic free from British control. After nearly a decade of covert political activities, an open rebellion against British rule finally erupted in May of 1798. While the most fervent support for the uprising occurred in County Wexford and the region of Ulster, it gathered significant backing in County Kildare. But the rebellion soon lost steam, as the British arrested or killed the rebellion’s ringleaders over the next five months.  

Most of Ireland—including County Kildare—finally became independent with the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921. County Kildare had also emerged as one of the nation’s most prosperous areas around the same time, too. Agriculture had proliferated throughout the county as a result of the fertile soil found at Curragh Plain, while new railroads started introducing an unprecedented number of goods. Its prosperity had spared County Kildare from various economic calamities as such, the most notable being the Great Famine of the 1840s. The creation of several military barracks along the major thoroughfares leading into Dublin, Cork, and Limerick developed an especially important economic demographic in the 19th century, as many local businesses thrived on serving their soldiers. When the barracks were vacated in the early 20th century, newer industries—such as Irish Ropes and Newbridge Cutlery—appeared to fill the vacuum. Soon enough, they were joined by the likes of international manufacturing giants Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and Pfizer. Today, County Kildare is one of the richest counties outside Dublin, as well as one of Ireland’s most exciting. Cultural heritage travelers are certain to enjoy its proximity to many fascinating cultural attractions and memorable historical landmarks.

Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, contains a stunning wealth of gorgeous architectural features. Indeed, guests first encounter the beautiful motifs as soon as they enter the building! A pillared porch specifically guides guests through swing doors in order to reach the Entrance Hall, now known today as the “Mallaghan Room.” The location contains two pairs of Doric columns and a breathtaking marble fireplace. To the right of the Mallaghan Room sits Staircase Hall, which has a marvelous staircase that architect Richard Morrison crafted during the 1815 renovations. (A main centerpiece was removed from the roof to allow the elevator to be installed—this is currently on display in the main lobby of the hotel.) Further beyond the staircase follows the Chinese Boudoir, a resplendent suite that Lady Emily Lennox had originally created in 1759. This fantastic space is still filled with the intricate wall carvings and blue hues that first defined it centuries ago! However, the Mallaghan Room also leads into the Drawing Room and its ornately molded ceiling. There is a beautiful view of the Rose Garden through the large windows, too, one of which has been converted to a patio-type door that leads directly outside.

To the right of the Drawing Room is the Library, complete with an elegant marble fireplace. But the Drawing Room is also near the visually stunning Gold Salon, perhaps the most impressive venue throughout the entire facility. Rising for two stories in height, the Gold Salon has been described by onlookers as one of the most beautiful rooms in all Ireland. The ceiling is detailed very deeply, featuring Baroque-inspired plasterwork that the Lafranchini brothers had developed at the behest of architect Richard Castle. Their plasterwork is highlighted in gilt and represents a concept referred to as the “Courtship of the Gods.” Toward the East end of the Gold Salon is an organ installed during the Victorian age, which was once hydraulically powered by a stream. (Lord Gerald FitzGerald specifically had the organ crafted to match the elaborate Baroque designs of the Gold Salon’s interior.) Interestingly, the stunning mirrors in the Gold Salon are all magnified and tilted, as well. This clever feat of engineering was meant to help the FitzGeralds’ guests from straining their necks while admiring the opulent artwork showcased up on the ceiling.

The greater architectural style that characterizes the appearance of the Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, is known as “Georgian.” Georgian architecture itself is among the most predominant in the British Isles, defining the features for all kinds of buildings ranging from grand municipal structures to quaint country manors. Its name is a reference to its origins, having first appeared during the reign of King George I in the early 1700s. The form would remain popular in Great Britain for the next several decades, before dissipating around the death of his distant relative, King George IV. But while the form’s moniker refers to Hanoverian monarchs, they had little to do with its spread. Instead, the work of great English architects Inigo Jones, James Gibbs, and Christopher Wren significantly established what would become known as the “Georgian” style. Inspired by the Roman architectural elements of antiquity, professionals like Jones, Gibbs, and Wren began to integrate it into their own blueprints.  

Most of those early architects specifically embraced the great Andrea Palladio’s earlier interpretations of Classical architecture, which first manifested at the height of the Italian Renaissance. As such, the first iteration of Georgian-style architecture was known as “Palladianism,” which encouraged proportion and symmetry based on exact mathematical ratios. Palladianism also embraced Palladio’s strict use of Roman-era stylistic themes. But architects across the United Kingdom began to loosen their observance of Palladio’s philosophy as the 18th century progressed. Those artisans began to look more directly at the ancient buildings they sought to emulate, giving rise to the more ubiquitous Classic Revival (or “Neoclassical”) architectural style. Their new structures featured additional motifs from ancient Grecian societies and a few from medieval Europe. Nevertheless, the style remained immensely popular, even spreading across the Atlantic to greatly influence the British Empire’s American and Canadian colonies. In fact, the Americans formed their own unique spinoff of Georgian architecture in the wake of the American Revolutionary War, which they called “Federal” or “Adams” style.   

Julie Andrews, actress known for her roles in movies like The Princess Diaries, Mary Poppins, and The Sound of Music.  

Peter Sellers, actor known for his roles in movies like, The Pink Panther, Lolita, and Dr. Strangelove.

Lee Marvin, actor known for his roles in movies like The Dirty Dozen, Point Blank, and Cat Ballou.

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Ryan O’Neal, actor known for his roles in productions like Paper Moon, Barry Lyndon, and Peyton Place.

Blake Edwards, director known for shooting films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Great Race, and The Pink Panther.

Marianne Faithfull, singer and actress known for being a leading icon of the “British Invasion” in the United States.

Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, film actress known for starring in Mogambo, and wife of Prince Rainier III. 

Prince Rainier III of Monaco (1949 – 2005)

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