Meath Ireland

Trim Castle

Trim Castle, the major Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, was constructed over a thirty year period by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. Hugh de Lacy was settled the Liberty of Meath by King Henry II in 1176 in an effort to restrain the expansionist policies of Richard de Clare.

Structure of the enormous three storied stay, the central iron grip of the castle, was begun c.1176 on the site of an earlier wooden citadel. This huge twenty-sided tower, which is cruciform in shape, was protected by a ditch, curtain wall and moat.

This wonderful site experienced revitalization in 2000 when it opened to the public after an extensive period of quarry and restitution. Access to the keep is by guided tour only for safety reasons. Visitors also have access to the grounds of the castle where explanation panels allow for self-guiding. Admission for visitors with disabilities is very controlled.