Trim Castle is the largest and best-preserved Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland.
Located in County Meath, it also makes an easy day trip from Dublin.
Keep reading to find out more about one of the most beautiful castles of Ireland!
Table of Contents
History of Trim Castle
The Normans, who originally came from northern France but who thanks to William the Conqueror were also rulers of England, invaded Ireland in the late 12th century. Thanks to all their conquering, the Normans had figured out a strategy for keeping a hold on their new territory: build a bunch of fortifications, or castle, throughout the land.
As a result, the Normans were great castle-builders.
Trim Castle was one of these defensive structures built by the Normans. It was built on territory that formerly belonged to the Kingdom of Meath.
The first castle was likely made of wood. The High King of Ireland didn’t take too kindly to his country being invaded and his lands being stolen and sought to attack the castle. Outnumbered, the constable of the castle burned it to the ground and the king retreated.
Hugh de Lacy, the Norman knight who had been given the lands of the former kingdom of Meath, set about building a stronger castle made of stone – the Trim Castle that we see today.
The castle continued to be expanded throughout the subsequent centuries, while occasionally suffering from short periods of neglect. Towards the end of the Middle Ages, the castle became one of the royal estates belonging to the crown. It suffered a period of neglect after Cromwell’s invasion in the 17th century, and came into the possession of the Wellesley family. The family’s most famous member, Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, eventually sold the castle.
In 1993, the castle was sold to the Irish state.
A year later, the castle was used as a stand-in for the city of York and the Tower of London for the movie Academy Award-winning movie Braveheart.
The People of Trim Castle
Here are a few of the famous personages who have been associated with Trim Castle:
Hugh de Lacy (before 1135 – 1186): Hugh first came to Ireland as part of the Anglo-Norman invasion in the late 12th century. He became the de facto Viceroy of Ireland and, to help secure Ireland, built a number of castles, including Trim.
Geoffrey de Geneville (Joinville), 1st Baron Geneville (c. 1226 – 1314): Inheriting the castle through his wife Matilda (Maud), Geoffrey made improvements to the keep and built the Great Hall at Trim Castle. He was originally from France, the younger brother of the great French chronicler, Jean de Joinville.
Henry V (1386 – 1422): Henry was King of England and Lord of Ireland from 1413 until his death nine years later. He is most famous for his military successes during the Hundred Years’ War with France. As a young child, he accompanied the English king Richard II to Ireland – and was subsequently left behind at Trim Castle as a hostage.
Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York (1411 – 1460): Richard inherited Trim Castle through his; he expanded the castle’s fortifications during the turbulent Wars of the Roses. A claimant to the English throne, he was killed at the Battle of Wakefield with his son Edmund; his two younger sons later became the English kings Edward IV and Richard III.
Trim Castle Today
If you’re looking for an easy day trip from Dublin, a visit to Trim Castle should definitely be on your list!
The most striking thing to see at Trim Castle is the remarkably well-preserved keep. These were the main fortified towers located in the center of the castle complex. It was here that the administrative functions and the residence of the lord would be located.
At Trim Castle, the keep can only be accessed as part of a guided tour. The stairs, like those of all medieval castles, can be uneven, narrow, and winding. You’ll get to see the chapel and, on the roof, amazing views of the town and countryside.
The grounds of the castle are free to wander. Here you can explore the curtain walls, the defensive walls surrounding the castle, which are also well preserved. There’s also the barbican gate, the fortified gate that formed part of the castle’s outer defenses.
I also recommend taking a leisurely walk across the river for lovely views of the castle itself. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to cross Ireland’s oldest bridge. Just a stone’s throw away from the castle, it dates from 1393.
How to Visit Trim Castle
Location and Getting There
The address for Trim Castle is Trim, Co Meath, C15 HN90, Ireland.
The easiest way to get to Trim Castle is probably by car. There’s parking available in the town center and at Emmett Street Car Park.
If you don’t want to drive, this tour makes a quick stop at Trim Castle, among other sites. I took this tour on my visit to Dublin and I can definitely recommend it.
Opening Times
Opening times vary, depending on the time of the year. (From November to mid-February, for example, the castle is only open on weekends.)
For the most accurate information, check out the official website here.
Tickets
It’s free to enter the grounds.
If you want to visit the keep, you have to do so as part of a guided tour. Prices are:
Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00
There you have it! Will you be adding a visit to Trim Castle on your next trip to Ireland? Let me know in the comments!
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