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Photographs of Trim Castle
By peace | September 10, 2007
Trim Castle (Caisleán Bhaile Atha Troim in Irish), Trim, County Meath, Ireland, on the shores of the Boyne is the largest and one of the most important Norman military constructions in Ireland. It is the remains of the largest Norman castle in Europe, and it was built primarily by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. Its well-deserved reputation as the king of Irish castles rests upon its imposing curtain walls enclosing over three acres, its fine gatehouses, and its enormous isolated keep - all of which project a visually striking image of foreboding might and great power.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Trim’s powerful castle lost its final battle. Locals pilfered the masonry for building material and probably burned the stone in lime kilns in the inner bailey. Nonetheless, excavations have revealed the hidden history of the great fortress, including physical evidence of a burnt building inside the ringwork. Archaeologists have also unearthed horseshoes, arrowheads, a wine jug and a cache of human burials.
Now managed by Duchas — The Heritage Service, Trim Castle has undergone extensive conservation. It is open to the public during the summer months for an entrance fee. It is open to the public everyday from Easter Saturday to Halloween (31st October) from 10am, with first tour at 10.30am, last entry at 5pm and last tour at 5.15pm. Despite the presence of modern buildings all too close to its lush green grounds, this historic riverside fortress pays everlasting tribute to Ireland’s turbulent past.
