In 1535, the 10th Earl of Kildare, 'Silken Thomas FitzGerald' surrendered to the Crown following an unsuccessful rebellion. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London with his five uncles and all six were executed in 1537. King Henry VIII seeking to bring the House of Kildare to heel ordered the capture 10 year old Gerald FitzGerald, the younger half brother of Silken Thomas, and the FitzGerald heir.

The result was a manhunt throughout Ireland and across Europe. Join us at Maynooth Castle as we recount the escape of young Gerald FitzGerald, protected by the FitzGerald ladies and the people of Ireland. Eventually resinstated as the 11th Earl of Kildare, his time in exile in Europe led him to develop an almost mythical legacy that saw him earn his nickname as "The Wizard Earl of Kildare".

Booking recommended: email maynoothcastle@opw.ie or phone 0469422270