Trim Castle, Ireland

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Trim is considered by many to be one of the finest examples of a Norman castle in all of Ireland. Almost uniquely for a Norman castle of this scale in Europe, it has scarcely been modified since it was completed in the 13th century. Even the walls around the castle are in excellent condition - which you can explore at your leisure walking through the grounds. This castle was started by Hugh de Lacy in 1173 and sits on the banks fo the beautiful River Boyne.

Of note would be the fact that Mel Gibson featured Trim castle in his movie Braveheart.

Trim Castle grounds have eight important buildings: Trim Visitor Center, Trim Castle, Sheep's Gate, Talbon Castle/St. Mary's Abbey, the Yellow Steeple, St. Patrick's cathedral, SS Peter and Paul cathedral, and the hospial of St. John the Baptist.

Probably one of my favorite parts was the Yellow Steeple as it was the site of an important pilgrimage in honor of a miraculous image of fthe Virgin Mary until the Reformation. It was rebuilt after a fire in 1368. It's called the Yellow Steeple due to the sharp yellow color it appears during sunset.

Although the castle is closed in the winter, the visitor center is a great place to get information, and it's free to walk along the castle grounds. They can provide you with an excellent map of the area. May through September it's open from 9:30 am -5:30 pm Monday through Saturday and opens at noon on Sunday; and October through April it's open from 9 am - 5 pm Monday through Saturday.

This castle is one of the biggest castles of the middle age in Ireland. It was built by Hugh de Lacy at 1173 but were distroyed and rebuilt by 1200.
It has been a very important point and castle, as here, f.i. ended the line of protestant british men and begun the "wild territory" of catholic irish people.
It is very nice to see this castle and to make a walk within (only guided) and around it. Just go and enjoy!