The largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, Trim Castle is a monumental 20-sided keep begun by Hugh de Lacy and 30 years in the building, looming over the heritage town of Trim beside the River Boyne.
The three-storey, 20-sided keep can only be seen on a guided tour, which starts at the foot of the steps and climbs narrow, uneven stairs through the chapel and across internal walkways to the roof. Modern walkways let you look down over the interior and appreciate the sheer thickness of the walls.
The grounds are free to enter and have interpretation panels so you can guide yourself past the curtain wall, ditch, water-filled moat and the Barbican Gate. Note no climbing and no picnics are allowed inside the walls.
The stretch of the Boyne beside the castle gives the classic view of the keep and walls reflected in the water, and is the best free spot for a photograph of the whole site.
The great curtain walls face the low evening sun, making sunset one of the most atmospheric times to see the castle from outside the grounds.
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