Trim Castle — Attraction in The Municipal District of Trim

This place is nestled on Highway R161 in County Meath. It’s open to the public most of the time. But free to roam around on the grounds when it is opened. Check their website for opening hours and not Google, as the times are more accurate on their website. If you’re looking forward to the tour, then for five quid, you can join a small group.

The Trim Castle took a total of 30 years to complete and is the oldest Anglo-Norman fortification to Ireland. It’s cruciform shape made it unique for a castle ruins which at the time was beneficial because it was built on top of a hill, which overlooks River Boyne and can see the surroundings of the grounds in it’s entirety. This castle was built in the 12th century and had three separate building phases of its structure. Being a major part of Irish history, Trim Castle sold their rights to the buildings to the Irish State in 1993 and opened to the public in Y2K after the much needed restoration of the grounds. And fun fact, if you ever watched the film Braveheart, you’ll notice some scenes were filmed on the grounds.

For the tour: Had the grand fortune of having Mairéad as a tour guide. She was an absolute gas. Adding charismatic wit and using facts to put in modern day society made the information really relatable while some of it was shocking. It really is a shame that she hung up her boots after our tour but fortunate enough that her last tour before retirement was a fun one. The tour was a relatable experience, learned a lot about castles in surrounding areas during this tour. And there is a trail with other ruins on the grounds. It was genuinely impressionable by the maintenance of the castle, and the dedication of the staff who work there.

Outside of the tour, there are self guided tours for free within the grounds of Trim Castle and its surrounding area. It’s in both Irish and English. If you want it in a different language, you could try Google Translate.

Wanted to add that Trim Castle is somewhat wheelchair accessible but not all of the walking areas are. And inside Trim Castle, is not accessible for wheelchair users. Parking is a max of two hours, must pay for parking and sometimes you might have to wait a bit to find a space.

For anyone seeking a fun and educational way dive into the history of Trim Castle, this is the place to be for an affordable tour with many walking trails, a few ruins, a few of the oldest bridge in Ireland, friendly staff and a well maintained...

Visiting Trim Castle was an unforgettable experience! Nestled in the charming town of Trim, County Meath, this impressive fortress is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, and it's a must-see for anyone fascinated by history.

Walking up to the castle, I was immediately struck by its grandeur. Built in the late 12th century by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter, Trim Castle was designed as a formidable stronghold to protect the Anglo-Norman colony from Irish chieftains. The massive stone keep, towering over the River Boyne, is an architectural marvel with its unique 20-sided cruciform design.

Exploring the castle grounds felt like stepping back in time. I joined a guided tour, which I highly recommend. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the castle's history to life with captivating stories about its construction, the battles fought here, and the daily lives of those who once called it home. It was fascinating to learn about the strategic importance of Trim Castle and how it played a pivotal role in the region's history.

The views from the top of the keep were breathtaking. Overlooking the River Boyne and the lush countryside, I could see why this location was chosen for such a significant fortress. The surrounding area is equally enchanting, with the picturesque town of Trim offering quaint streets, lovely cafes, and other historical sites like St. Patrick's Church and the Yellow Steeple.

Trim Castle is not just about history; it's also a beautiful spot to simply relax and enjoy the scenery. I spent some time walking around the well-maintained grounds and even had a picnic by the river. It was the perfect way to soak in the peaceful ambiance of this historic site.

Trim Castle is an incredible destination that blends rich history with stunning landscapes. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for a beautiful place to explore, Trim Castle will not disappoint. I can't...

Definitely worth a visit but opt for the guided tower tour for 5 pounds per adult. You can tour the grounds for free but the tower is only for 30 minute guided where you are rushed from room to room by the informative and friendly guide who provides a backdrop of history that marked the beginning of Norman English imperialism of Ireland. No, they didn’t say that, they just provided the factual history. You only visit one semi restored room per floor as the rest is open but covered by modern tent like materials to prevent further weather damage. The castle was only used for 200 years and sat decaying for over a millennia. It is still an impressive site with most of its outer tower walls standing and a third of the curtain walls with much of three gates.

If you go into the tower you should be able to climb steep narrow spiral stars, walk across open bridges 3 stories high, but it is worth it especially when you see the abbey ruins, Wellington’s statue and the town from a birds eye view on the roof.

Be Aware that the parking lot next to the castle is paid parking as is much of Trim. The notification sign is tiny as are the thinking of people who utilize parking fines for creating revenue. It definitely doesn’t encourage tourists to shop or return for a visit when a 40 pound fine is levied on visitors unawares. Yes it is clearly marked as is the fine print on a long and...