The University logo was developed to express all aspects of the University, past, present and future. It is based on classic heraldic imagery and it combines four images reflecting the University’s historical roots and challenging future. The yew twig and castle refer to the medieval origins of Maynooth, and the role, played by the FitzGerald family in the founding of Maynooth and its University. The yew is also the symbol of regeneration and wisdom. The sundial, a feature at the front of Stoyte House is a symbol history, time and enlightenment. The symbol of the open book represents academic learning.

1. The town of Maynooth began its life as a small settlement growing up beside the great castle of the FitzGeralds built early in the 13 th Century. The symbol of the castle in the lower right-hand corner of the University logo represents the tradition of the castle in the village.
2. Moving clockwise – The yew twig refers to the medieval origins of Maynooth and is an ancient symbol of learning. There are two great yew trees inside the entrance at the south entrance. Silken Thomas is reputed to have sat under one of these on the night before he was transported to London where he was subsequently hung at Tyburn Hill in 1537.
3. The symbol on the top left corner can be seen as either an open book (a symbol of academic learning) or alternatively by rotating the page clockwise by 90 degrees it can be seen as a graduation cap (mortar board) which is part of the attire worn by women at graduation.
4. The final symbol on the top right represents a sundial and is reminiscent of the actual sundial, which is located in the triangle inside the gate on the South Campus. That sundial was one of the first external pieces of sculpture acquired by the University after its foundation in 1795.

Last edited: Thursday, 19-Jan-2006 12:47:05 GMT