On the south bank of the River Boyne you will find the remains of the largest Norman Castle in Europe and Ireland’s largest castle, Trim Castle. It answers the question many ask, what is the largest castle in Ireland, Trim Castle has an area of 30,000 m².

About Trim Castle
Trim Castle was built over a period of 30 years by Hugh de Lacy and his son Wlater. Hugh de Lacy started constructing the castle in 117 and after Hugh’s death in 1186 his son Walter de Lacy succeeded as Lord of Meath. He continued rebuilding and the castle was completed in the 1220’s, most likely 1224.
The central formation of the castle is a three-storey keep, a massive 20-sided tower which was deemed impregnable in its day. The tower was further protected by a curtain wall, a ditch and a water-filled moat.
The Irish Parliament met at Trim Castle several times in the 15th century. It was also used as a mint for the country’s currency.
Today Trim Castle is on the List of National Monuments in County Meath and the Irish Government currently owns and is in charge of the castle, the state agency, The Office of Public Works (OPW).runs the castle.
Resources
Social Guide
Download, print and read a free social guide (PDF) ( created by The Office of Puclic Works ) about visiting Trim Castle. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Trim Castle.
Ireland has more than 30 000 castles and to know which ones to visit you certainly need some guidance. Fortunately, here at Love Ireland, we have you covered.
Below you will find a list of the 49 Best Castles in Ireland to visit.
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