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Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, was constructed over a thirty year period by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. Hugh de Lacy was granted the Liberty of Meath by King Henry II in 1176 in an attempt to curb the expensionist policies of Richard de Clare, {Strongbow}.

Construction of the massive three storied Keep, the central stronghold of the castle, was begun c.1176 on the site of an earlier wooden fortress. This massive twenty-sided tower, which is cruciform in shape, was protected by a ditch, curtain wall and moat.

This magnificent site experienced a renaissance in 2000 when it opened to the public after an extensive period of excavation and restoration. Access to the keep is by guided tour only for safety reasons. Visitors also have access to the grounds of the castle where interpretation panels allow for self-guiding.

Access for visitors with disabilities is very restricted. Please note :some of the stairs in the keep are very steep and narrow; the keep is not accessible for visitors with disabilities and there is restricted access to the grounds for visitor with disabilities.

Trim castle is an Anglo-Norman castle, possibly the first stone castle in Ireland. It is located about 28 miles northwest of Dublin in County Meath, along the banks of the River Boyne. Trim is, in Tom McNeill’s words, “the finest and largest castle in Ireland” , and it has a reputation as the king of Irish castles. Early Anglo-Norman castles were often built in prominent locations, and their purpose was to display the great wealth and dominance of their owners. Trim Castle is even mentioned in the heroic Norman poem “The Song of Dermot and the Earl.” It first began as a ringwork castle, and the remains of a large trench, bracing posts, and postholes of a wooden structure are evidence of this. Historical records say that this original ringwork castle built by Hugh de Lacy in 1173 was captured and burnt down that same year by Roderic O’Connor (Ruadhri Ua Conchabair), a native Irishman threatened by its presence. Hugh de Lacy was so powerful in his time that the King of England was afraid that de Lacy would deny allegiance to him and declare himself the King of Ireland. This shows the great power and intimidation that Trim Castle was meant to display, especially over the native Irish people.

Excavations
Excavations were done here from 1971 to 1974 under the management of David Sweetman. They covered most of the area directly surrounding the keep, and the area along the northeast wall. This excavation revealed the remains of ten headless men. These were probably criminals, there as victims of King Edward’s 1465 order for any thieves or future thieves to be beheaded and their heads mounted on spikes outside as a public warning. Excavations (as well as renovations) at Trim Castle were completed recently. The remains of a stone plinth, or wall, closely surrounding the keep were found, as were the remains of additional buildings, and evidence of a ditch dug around the keep. Iron arrowheads, silver coins, an iron axe, pottery from Bristol, and French wine jugs, all from the 13th century, were also found there, mainly in the ditch around the keep. Excavations also revealed a slipway and storage facilities on the east end of the Great Hall, along the edge of the River Boyne. This is most likely because Trim castle was used as a fortress along the river which, along with a few other structures that he owned, allowed de Lacy to control the port town. Along with these excavations, Tom McNeill has more recently studied the basic outline of the castle’s structure, and its surrounding components. Trim Castle is now managed and cared for by Duchas, the Heritage Service of Ireland.

TRIM TOWN & TRIM CASTLE

One of Ireland's heritage towns, Trim is situated on the River Boyne. It once had the oldest and largest religious settlements in the country. The town is dominated by the medieval Trim Castle, which was built by Hugh de Lacy in 1173. The largest Norman castle in Europe, it is now restored and visitors can access the 75ft square keep and grounds by guided tour. Sections of the epic film Braveheart were filmed here.

Brief history of  Trim….
Soon after proclaiming Christianity in Ireland, St. Patrick built a church here on land granted to him by the son of the High King. He built it near an ancient ford that crossed the river just beyond the bridge and it was from this that Trim got its name.
Surrounding the Castle are fascinating ruins which provide evidence of fervent religious activity. Stone relics abound in St. Patricks Cathedral, its church and porch revealing a number of medieval graveslabs. St. Marys Abbey is the remains of an Augustinian monastery founded in the 12th century and later a focal point for pilgrimage.
The Newtown Monuments consist of a large medieval cathedral, two monasteries and small church which date from 1206. On the walls of the church one will find the late 16th century alter tomb with effigies of Sir Luke Dillon and his wife. The Friary of St. John the Baptist, is the remains of a 13th century Augustinian foundation, which was later converted to a hospital in the 18th century.
The Yellow Steeple is the most prominent of the many ruins in Trim. It overlooks the town from a ridge directly opposite Trim Castle. Originally part of the 13th century St. Mary's Augustinian Abbey, the steeple dates from 1368. The black Friary of the Dominicans was founded by Geoffrey de Geneville, Lord of Meath in 1263.
During the early 1700's Jonathan Swift, author of Gullivers Travels, was presented with the Vicarage of Laracor in Trim and spent some of his happiest times in the area as judged by the 'Journal To Stella' which was published after his death. The Duke of Wellington, Sir Arthur Wellesley was educated in Trim and residents erected the Wellington Column to commemorate on of their past pupils.

Trim Visitor Centre
The Power and the Glory- Multimedia exhibition – phone : + 353 46 943 7227

This is an exciting multimedia exhibition which paints a vivid picture of the historical background of the magnificent medieval ruins of Trim.
The exhibition portrays the pinnacle of Trim's glorious past coincided with the early period of Norman power in Ireland. It demonstrates how the ruins of  Trim castle and the surrounding abbeys act as a testament to the great bygone era in Royal County Meath. Chroniclers, knights and kings emerge through the mists of time to recount the tale of the coming of the Normans to Trim, and of their astonishing influence which revolutionised Irish towns, farms and government.
The exhibition is available in English, French, German & Italian and is suitable for all ages.
A visit requires 45 minutes approximately. Audio Visual shows start on the hour and half hour from 10am every day. The times below may be subject to change and they may occasionally close for lunch 12.30 - 1.30pm.

Open
April to October.  Admission charge- Guided tours only. Open at 10am  7 days a week.

Contact
046 943 8619

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