More than merely noticeable upon entering the town, Trim Castle truly dominates the surrounding landscape. Perched atop a hill on a 2½-acre site, it overlooks the River Boyne. Erected by Hugh de Lacy in 1173, it is the largest example of an Anglo-Norman castle in all of Ireland.
Well-preserved ruins reveal stunning 70-foot high turrets, a large, cruciform-shaped keep three stories high, and sturdy rectangular towers. The 500-yard long outer wall also survives, along with five other towers that form a D shape.
Only a year or so after Trim Castle was built, it was destroyed by Roderick of Connaught, but then rebuilt in 1220. The Castle marked the edge of the Pale – the area around Dublin where the Anglo Normans felt safe from the Gaelic Irish.
The lords of Meath used it as a base of government in the 14th century rather than a family residence. When Sir James Carroll took over the property in 1610, it was badly in need of repair.
In more recent history, Trim Castle was the object of excavation and extensive renovation prior to its reopening to the public in 2000.