“The ultimate symbol of Norman glory”
Heritage Ireland


We call ourselves Castle Hunters. How did we get that title? Where did our passion for Castles begin? It all started in Ireland at the magnificent Trim Castle. Constructed in the 12th century, it is the largest Anglo-Norman fortification in Ireland. It won us over from the first look and started a path we never imagined taking.
It was our first trip to Ireland, to this lush green country known as the Emerald Isle. For Ryan, it was his first vacation outside of the U.S.
This is where Ryan discovered his love and passion for castles. Joelle had seen many castles over the years, but it was her first in Ireland. Ryan’s excitement was of a child given the greatest and most unexpected gift they could ever imagine. It was pure joy and ear-to-ear smiles for him. That enthusiasm was highly contagious and has us hunting castles on every trip we take.
Getting to Trim Castle


The morning started with some nervousness. We picked up our rental car in Dublin and began our five-day journey through Ireland. It was our first time driving on the “right” side of the road. That was exciting enough, but little did we know what we were in for once we arrived at Trim.
The 40-minute drive from Dublin was a quick and scenic route that introduced us to the beautiful landscapes we were in awe of during our whole vacation in Ireland. The drive was sketchy at times, with a few close calls. We made it, luckily, without any damage to the car. No doubt local drivers were a bit irritated with our slow speed. The words most uttered during those forty minutes were; “To the left, to the left, no, not that left!!!” There was a lot of laughter from the navigator and many scowls from the driver.
Visiting Trim Castle


Along the river Boyne in the quiet, quaint village of Trim sits the mighty Trim Castle. As you enter the town, you will pass the immense walls of Trim Castle’s outer perimeter. The Castle sits on the south bank of the river. Enter the parking area and begin to walk up the ramp to the main gatehouse. For the cost of two Euros, you can enter the grounds. Your gain access to the Keep for a price of five euros with a guided tour (the only way to see the Keep). The tour is worth the time to look inside this massive structure.
We did not plan on spending the time for this, but it was worth it for the history, perspective of the Castle, and the amusing tour guide that made the experience even more memorable. It was around 45 minutes, so you will not kill your whole day. You start the tour after going up the stairs to the elevated Keep entrance.
The Tour
Once inside, your guide will go through the Castle’s fascinating and storied history. You will learn fun facts and information about the town and the surrounding area that will intrigue anyone interested in history. Walk on modern metal and wood staircases that interweave from room to room and floor to floor while your guide paints a picture of castle living and what this structure once looked like years ago. These staircases provide the opportunity to truly absorb these nine-foot walls’ sheer size and thickness. At one point in the tour, you will make it to the top of the structure to get a 360 picture-perfect view of the town, river, and valley in the distance. As you take in the view, this wow moment is the icing on a pretty awesome cake.
Trim Castle Grounds


Before or after the tour, take advantage of wandering the beautifully maintained site. The interior is about three acres. A path circles the grounds inside; take a lap around the well-kept grounds and explore the remaining southern wall. There are multiple towers within the curtain wall to enter. It provides a visual in which one can imagine how this Castle defense occurred against its enemies. Part of the great hall and cellars remain at the entrance wall to complete the picture of castle living. Imagine the grand events, lavish feasts, and great fires here. Trim Castle was home as well as a fortress for centuries. Many families were raised here, and if you listen, their stories are still within these walls.
Trim’s History
Built between 1176 to 1220, it is the largest, best-preserved, and most impressive Anglo-Norman fortification in Ireland. This over 800-year-old Castle has a fascinating history.
Trim Castle has stood as an imposing stone sentinel and a Norman symbol of strength. The construction began shortly after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in Ireland. It sat close to the edge of Pale’s area near the well-known hostile world of the Gaelic Irish.


Hugh de Lacy
Trim Castle’s construction commenced in 1176 by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. The building took over 30 years. King Henry II, in 1172 granted his baron Hugh de Lacy the Liberty of Meath to deter the expansion of the feared Strongbow, the 2nd Earl of Pembroke. Strongbow played a significant role in the invasion of Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. The King feared that Strongbow might set up his Kingdom in Ireland and wanted to reduce Strongbow’s power by giving Hugh de Lacy Meath and Dublin.
Hugh de Lacy was not a man of impeccable reputation and was known to be quite a womanizer. The King became very concerned years later that Hugh sought to become a king. Hugh took care of the scoundrel for the King when an Irish nobleman took his head off with an ax.
The Construction


The site was strategically chosen due to its high ground and position overlooking the River Boyne’s fording point. This navigable river sits 25 miles from the Irish sea.
The first structure built at the current site was a wood castle, which was destroyed during an attack. Hugh de Lacy and his son built the present massive 20-sided cruciform stone Keep, also called the Great Tower, with nine-foot thick walls. The cruciform was a unique design for Norman Keeps.
Learn more about castle structures on our Castle Hunters page here.
When de Lacy died in 1186, his son Walter became Lord of Meath. He continued construction, adding a ditch, moat, and curtain walls. The curtain wall, which had several towers incorporated with two entry gates, spanned a fortified area of roughly 3 acres. Though predominantly built as a fortress, it was home to many families for centuries. To the outside world, the impressive and impenetrable Trim Castle let the world know that the Anglo-Normans weren’t going anywhere.
Hollywood comes to Trim
Trim Castle may seem familiar to some guests. The 1980 film The Big Red One starring Mark Hamill, was partially filmed at Trim Castle. Its proper link to fame was as the walled town of York in Braveheart, directed by Mel Gibson. Scenes from London in Braveheart also were filmed at Trim.
The Town of Trim


Trim is quintessential Ireland and sits in the county of Meath. The town has a population of around 10,000 people. The city is full of colorful buildings, and you immediately get a sense of intimacy. The town has many excellent pubs and shops. There are many places to grab a meal or take a picnic with you to have along the River Boyne.


When you finish your visit to Trim Castle, take the time to discover the rest of Trim. Exit the main grounds and walk on the trail to the north. The walk alone is peaceful and lovely. This trail will take you to a bridge that spans the river and will lead you to St. Mary’s Abbey’s ruins, built in the 14th century. The Yellow tower stands 130 feet high and is hard to miss.
Now, if you have the time, we recommend taking the casual 20-minute walk along the river trail past the stone sheep gate to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. This quiet spot is relaxing and gives good views of the previous locations.
Just a few minutes walk on the other side of the river, and you will find the Priory of St John the Baptist. Another beautiful and peaceful spot to take in the magic of the area.
Winding up your visit


Before heading out of town, check out the many churches and the beautiful St Patrick’s Cathedral. The Cathedral was rebuilt many times since the first church in 433. The tower on the west side dates back to mid 14th century, and the rest of the building was built in 1803. In 1955 it was designated as a Cathedral. It has a beautiful interior with dramatic stained glass in the west window.
If you are looking for a quick pit stop in Marcie Regan’s Pub on your walk back (see pic in our gallery below), a perfectly warm, authentic, and inviting establishment. Drink a beer and absorb the views while winding down your time here. Strike up a conversation with a local, or maybe you will be lucky enough to hear the local break out in song.
Trim shops are great places to pick up some fun Irish wear and some snacks for the road.
We have an infobox (click here to go to the box) below that details all you can do while here.
Final Thoughts


This location offers so much beauty that it will open your eyes to the world of Ireland. There will be many festivals throughout the year in the town of Trim to experience. It is no wonder why there were movie scenes in Braveheart and The Big Red One filmed here with such a fantastic setting.
Trim is a perfect location to introduce yourself to Ireland’s wonders, and since it is in the county of Meath, you will be well on your way to discovering so much more. Ancient ruins like the Hill of Tara, the dozens of castles, and other historical sites surrounding this area will continue to intrigue and inspire you to experience all that magical Ireland offers.
Check opening times at Trim Castle’s Official Website HERE.




© 2021 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved
Our Trim Castle Photo Gallery



















Check out our most recent blog posts
Historic Mitchelville: At the Dawn of Freedom
Freedmen town on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina ”Those who deny freedom to others,…
February 7, 2023Rock of Cashel – Ireland’s Ancient Site of Kings
It’s huge, it’s complex, it’s iconic, there is nothing like it anywhere else in…
December 14, 2022Traditional Hungarian Goulash (Gulyás)
Authenticity at the Core Bringing home the best of Hungary We are delighted to…
December 11, 2022Cliffs of Moher – Ireland’s Best Natural Attraction
A guide to making the most of your visit “The sun is setting in…
September 23, 2022Are you considering starting a travel blog? It takes a “village” of the right resources
Let us show you how to build yourself a powerhouse of a “village“ Remember…
September 20, 2022Prague Travel Log and Photo Gallery
Join us as we explore the ancient splendor and beauty of Prague ‘‘The streets…
September 14, 2022Vienna Travel Log and Photo Gallery
Join us as we explore the Grand Austrian city of Vienna “Vienna is a…
September 10, 2022Bratislava Travel Log and Photo Gallery
Join us as we explore the Slovakian City of Bratislava Bratislava is a lively…
September 8, 2022Budapest Travel Log and Photo Gallery
Join us as we explore the fascinating city of Budapest, Hungary “They said that,…
September 4, 2022Want to learn about Wanderers Compass?
Our Recommended Travel Resources
Squaremouth.com
Our favorite travel insurance site!
If you are booking a trip, don’t forget to get travel insurance within 14 days of your first booking. We could not be stronger advocates of being well insured. Not for the little stuff but the big stuff like medical emergencies. We never leave home without it. Over the years, we have used many sites but have now found our go-to place. Squaremouth.com does a fantastic job; it has a user-friendly interface, they use top-rated and reputable insurance carriers, and most policies cover Covid medical issues and cancellations. They also mediate on your behalf if you have problems with your policy.
MedjetAssist
Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world
They are the premier global air medical transport. One caveat to travel insurance is that medical evacuation usually gets you to the closest facility to care for you. Medjet gets you back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you are stable enough to fly. They cover Covid-related transports as well.
Medjet carries its own policies. The policy is only for transport and no other aspects of travel insurance. They have individual trip policies starting at $99 and annual policies for $295. Most of their policies limit the age to 74 and younger. Prices are not based on age below that.
Expedia.com
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours
Expedia is a US-based company whose mission is to power global travel for everyone and everywhere. Whether planning a family vacation, booking for business, or organizing the trip of a lifetime, they are a fantastic resource. Wanderers Compass focuses on independent travel, and using sites like Expedia makes that possible. Every aspect of travel you would need, from airfare, accommodations, rental car, and cruises, to activities to do at your destination, can be booked on Expedia.
Booking.com
Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours
Booking.com connects millions of travelers to memorable experiences, various transportation options, and incredible places to stay – from homes to hotels and much more. It is one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces for established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes.
We always start with Expedia to check prices, but it sometimes says it is sold out. We then try Booking.com, and we find it lists plenty of rooms. It could be they are a Europe-based company. Try both before booking accommodations.
Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO)
Are you traveling with a family or having an extended stay at your destination?
With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, VRBO connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The VRBO community offers families or groups various rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, etc.
VRBO is under the Expedia group ownership now, which many were worried about, but it hasn’t panned out to be a concern. It is a massive network that has access to all forms of lodging should issues arise. Joelle has used VRBO for many years with her family with no problems.
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, helps hundreds of millions of people each month become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers worldwide use the Tripadvisor site and App to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before.
With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions from nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants, and discover great places to see nearby. We use them for guidance and research on every trip; it is a valuable app for the independent traveler.
Rail Europe
Discover Europe by Train
Rail Europe sells train and bus tickets for travel across Europe. They cover 24 countries, 105 rail operations, and 20,000 stations. They are the official rail and bus operations agents in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Rail Europe continues to add coverage all the time.
It is a fast, easy and economical way to purchase European train and bus tickets. Eurail passes are also available to buy through their site.
Amazon.com
An excellent source for travel essentials and guides
Amazon is one of the most comprehensive online shopping sources in the world. On behalf of their customers, teams worldwide provide lower prices, better selection, and rapid delivery. They offer a vast inventory, and their 1.7 million small and medium businesses worldwide selling on Amazon.com provide extensive options to customers.
We buy most of our travel books, accessories, and luggage from Amazon. We have ordered up to two days before travel and get what we need.
Travelpro Luggage
Thoughtfully Designed | Meticulously Constructed | Quality Guaranteed.
We have used this luggage for years, left briefly to try others, and returned to Travelpro. Travelpro luggage is carried by crews from over 90 airlines worldwide.
Travelpro takes the time to learn what travelers want and need, then builds it. The key factor for us is that it must be lightweight upfront and resistant to rough handling. Their luggage is the best, and we could not recommend it enough. It is our go-to luggage.
iVisa
Travel documentation made more accessible
iVisa.com is dedicated to providing customers with a simple, fast, and reliable way to get travel documentation for their journey. Their online application process makes getting visas, health declarations, or passport photos a breeze, all from your home’s comfort. As a leading independent company in the travel documentation industry, they take pride in making global travel more accessible for everyone. Ultimately, it is a simple and affordable travel resource to complete the necessary entry documents for your international travel.
This section contains affiliate links. If you use these links (the ads with photos are NOT affiliate links) to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
No Comments