We identify as Castle Hunters. How was that title obtained? Where did our love of castles come from? It all began at the majestic Trim Castle in Ireland. It is Ireland’s biggest Anglo-Norman fortification, built in the twelfth century. It captured our attention at first glance and led us down a route we never would have thought.
It was our first visit to the Emerald Isle, a beautiful, verdant country in Ireland. It was Ryan’s first trip abroad for vacation.
Ryan fell in love with castles and developed a fascination for them at this point. It was Joelle’s first castle in Ireland, but she had visited others over the years. Ryan was ecstatic, like a child receiving the most amazing and unexpected gift they could have ever imagined. He was beaming from ear to ear with sheer happiness. That was infectious, and we’ve been looking for castles on every trip since.
How to Go to Trim Castle
We were getting anxious in the morning. After picking up our rental car in Dublin, we set out on a five-day tour of Ireland. We had never driven on the “right” side of the road before. That was thrilling enough, but when we got to Trim, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.
We were able to see the breathtaking scenery that we had been in awe of throughout our entire holiday in Ireland during the short and picturesque 40-minute journey from Dublin. There were a couple of near misses during the dubious trip. Fortunately, we survived with little damage to the vehicle. We were moving slowly, which no doubt annoyed some of the local drivers. “To the left, to the left, no, not that left!!!” was the most common phrase spoken throughout those forty minutes. The driver was furrowing his brow and the navigator was laughing heartily.
Exploring Trim Castle
The majestic Trim Castle is located in the sleepy, charming village of Trim, Boyne, along the river. You will cross the massive exterior walls of Trim Castle as you reach the town. Situated on the river’s southern bank is the Castle. Proceed to the main gatehouse by walking up the ramp after parking in the vicinity. For two euros, you can visit the grounds. A guided tour costs five euros and provides admission to the Keep (the only method to visit the Keep). It is well worth the time to take the tour to see this enormous building.
The history and viewpoint of the Castle, along with the entertaining tour guide who added to the experience’s memorability, made it worthwhile even if we had not intended to spend the time on it. The tour won’t take up your entire day—it lasts for around 45 minutes. After ascending the stairs to the upper Keep entrance, you begin the tour.
Your guide will walk you through the intriguing and illustrious history of the Castle once you’re inside. Anyone interested in history will find interesting facts and information about the town and its surroundings that you will learn. Stroll over contemporary metal and wood staircases that wind between rooms and floors as your guide describes life in a castle and the building’s former appearance. The sheer scale and thickness of these nine-foot walls may be fully appreciated thanks to these staircases. You will climb to the top of the structure at one point during the tour to experience a 360-degree, picture-perfect perspective of the town, river, and valley in the distance.
Castle Grounds of Trim
Enjoy exploring the immaculately maintained premises either before or after the tour. Three acres or so make up the inside. Inside, a path encircle the well-maintained grounds; stroll along the intact southern wall. You can enter the curtain wall through a number of towers. It offers a picture that helps visualize how this castle defended itself against its adversaries. To complete the image of life in a castle, a portion of the great hall and cellars are still visible at the entry wall. Here, picture the magnificent occasions, sumptuous meals, and enormous flames. For centuries Trim Castle was both a house and a fort. Many families grew up here, and if you listen, you may still hear the stories they told.
The History of Trim
It is Ireland’s largest, most spectacular, and best-preserved Anglo-Norman stronghold, having been constructed between 1176 and 1220. The history of this almost eight centuries old castle is intriguing.
Trim Castle has endured as a formidable stone watchtower and a representation of Norman might. Shortly after the Anglo-Normans arrived in Ireland, construction started. It was situated not far from Pale’s territory, adjacent to the well-known hostile Gaelic Irish world.
Brief take on the Construction of Trim castle
Trim Castle’s construction commenced in 1176 by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. The building took over 30 years. King Henry II, in 1172, granted his baron Hugh de Lacy the Liberty of Meath to deter the expansion of the feared Strongbow, the 2nd Earl of Pembroke. Strongbow played a significant role in the invasion of Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. The King feared that Strongbow might set up his Kingdom in Ireland and wanted to reduce Strongbow’s power by giving Hugh de Lacy Meath and Dublin.
Hugh de Lacy had a bad reputation and was well-known for being a womanizer. A few years later, the King started to worry greatly that Hugh wanted to rule as king. When an Irish aristocrat took the scoundrel’s head off with an ax, Hugh handled it for the King.
Construction site details
The location was deliberately selected because of its elevated terrain and vantage point above the River Boyne’s fording point. The Irish Sea is located 25 miles away from this navigable river.
A wooden castle that was the first building constructed at the present location was destroyed in an attack. The current enormous 20-sided cruciform stone keep, commonly known as the Great Tower, was constructed by Hugh de Lacy and his son. Its walls are nine feet thick. For Norman Keeps, the cruciform was an original design.
Walter, de Lacy’s son, succeeded him as Lord of Meath upon his death in 1186. He carried on building, adding curtain walls, a moat, and a ditch. Encompassing multiple towers and two entrance gates, the curtain wall enclosed a roughly 3-acre fortified region. Even though it was primarily constructed as a fortress, many families called it home for many generations. The magnificent and unbreakable Trim Castle declared to the outer world that the Anglo-Normans were here to stay.
Trim welcomes Hollywood
Some visitors may recognize Trim Castle. Trim Castle served as a shooting location for a portion of the 1980 Mark Hamill film The Big Red One. Its rightful claim to fame was as Mel Gibson’s fortified town of York in Braveheart. Trim was also the location of Braveheart’s London scenes.
Trim Town
Trim, which lies in Meath County, is a classic example of an Irish town. The population of the town is approximately ten thousand. The city is bursting with vibrant architecture, and you get a sense of intimacy right once. There are lots of great businesses and pubs in the town. Along the River Boyne, there are lots of locations to stop for food or pack a picnic.
After visiting Trim Castle, spend some time exploring the remainder of Trim. Take the northerly trail out of the main grounds. Alone, the walk is serene and beautiful. The walk will lead you to a bridge that crosses the river and the remnants of the fourteenth-century St. Mary’s Abbey. The 130-foot-tall Yellow Tower is difficult to overlook.
Now, if you have time, we suggest strolling to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, which is just a short 20-minute walk along the river route past the stone sheep gate. This peaceful area is soothing and provides nice views of the earlier spots.
The Priory of St. John the Baptist is located across the river and is only a short stroll away. Another lovely and serene location to enjoy the area’s splendor.
See the stunning St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the other numerous churches before you depart the city. The first church was established in 433, and the cathedral has undergone numerous reconstructions. While the remainder of the structure was constructed in 1803, the west side tower is from the middle of the fourteenth century. It received the title of Cathedral in 1955. Its interior is exquisite, with a striking west window with stained glass.
