I hadn’t visited Trim castle in years, more like decades. I have a vague recollection of stopping there on one of my early bus tours of Ireland. As it’s only about a 30 minute drive from where I’m living, it was the perfect place to head off to on a what-do-we-do-today trip.
What remains of Trim castle, it’s curtain wall and structures are impressive enough. It must have been quite imposing in its prime, between the late 13th century and early 15th century. Hugh de Lacy and his descendants were the, if not architects, then at least financiers of this complex.
The curtain wall contains a number of building remains – nearly a city in themselves.
The earliest fortification, dating around 1173 or so, was burned to the ground rather than be surrendered to the King of Connacht. A few years later the stone keep began to take shape, complete with a moat and drawbridge. Following that the curtain wall and associated defensive structures attached to it were constructed, negating the need for the moat. Over the next number of decades, several extensions were added to the main keep, along with a separate great hall.
One would think that with walls so thick these dwellings would have been warm, but from what assorted guides have said over the years, they were cold, drafty places. Of course, during some of the earliest construction, there were no windows – just hides and curtains attempting to keep out the draft.
A number of castles I visited had separate great halls, which were added later, during less troubled times.
Trim Castle – Great Hall and Solar
Trim Castle – Great Hall
Trim Castle was used to film parts of the movie Braveheart. A photo album, available from the ticket office, can be perused to see the modification that were made (and subsequently removed) from the buildings to make them look more authentic and habitable.
Outside the castle is a lovely park to stroll through which includes the remains of the 13th century St., Mary’s Abbey.
St. Mary’s Abbey – Trim
St. Mary’s Abbey – Trim
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