The ruins at Trim were once Ireland's largest Anglo-Norman castle. It was built in the 12th Century over a period of 30 years, under the watchful eyes of Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter, staunch followers of Henry II of England.
The centre of Trim Castle is an imposing 20-sided tower, three storeys high and in the form of a cross. Adding to the defences are a ditch, curtain walls between the towers and a moat — but have no fear, tourists can gain easy access.
Excavations in the 1970s revealed 10 headless skeletons, probably criminals who had had their heads chopped off and displayed on spikes as a dire warning to other citizens.
If you are a film buff, you will be excited to know that Trim Castle was used as the location for Mel Gibson's film Braveheart — yes, wrong country but definitely the perfect dramatic look for such a warrior’s tale.
You will be able to find out everything about Trim Castle with the help of the informative guided tours on offer every day from Easter Saturday until the end of October.
Trim is under an hour away from Dublin, 28 miles north-west, so a visit to Trim Castle could be part of a great day out.
