Trim Castle Day Trip From Dublin

A rich collection of history and beauty awaits discovery amid the gorgeous Irish countryside. Trim Castle, just a short distance from Dublin’s bustling streets, remains a witness to ages past, giving a thrilling day trip that blends rich heritage, breathtaking architecture, and the beauty of the Irish environment.

Trim Castle should surely be on your list if you’re looking for the right combination of history and adventure. Read on to find how to maximize your time by reading our guide for Trim Castle day trip from Dublin.  

Trim Castle Day Trip From Dublin

Trim Castle History

Trim Castle is located in Ireland’s County Meath, on the banks of the River Boyne. It was constructed in the late 12th century when Henry II handed Hugh de Lacy Lordship of Meath to curtail Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke, commonly known as Strongbow’s growth.

Trim Castle hosted parliaments seven times throughout the 15th century. It was in a condition of decay by the 16th century and was finally abandoned.

During the Cromwellian Wars in the mid-16th century, the castle was pillaged by troops and residents who removed roof beams and lead from the decaying edifice.

Trim Castle was bought by the government from Lord Dunsany in 1993. It is now administered by Heritage Ireland, the Department of the Environment and Local Government’s Heritage Service.

Best Time to Visit Trim Castle

Please keep in mind that this is a very active site, and visitors may encounter delays during the summer months. Access is not guaranteed. Visitors with impairments have extremely limited access.

It should be noted that several of the staircases in the keep are quite steep and tight. The keep is inaccessible to tourists with impairments, and only the grounds are open to them. There are explanatory panels on the castle grounds that enable self-guided tours.

Schedule:

• October: 09:30 – 16:00
• 17 March – 30 September: 10:00 – 17:00
• November – early February: 09:00 – 16:30 (Weekends only)

Early February – 16 March: 09:30 – 16:00

How to Get There

By Bus

Cost: $9.00
Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Trim Castle is a well-known day excursion from Dublin. If you are traveling from Dublin, you may take Bus Éireann from Busaras Station to Trim Castle.

By Car

Estimated Fuel Cost: $13.00
Duration: 40 minutes

Follow the M1 until you reach the M50. Leave the M50 at Junction 6 and take the route that leads to the M3/N3. You’ll have to pay $1.60 to pass through a barrier toll on the M3. They will take cash.

When you get to Trim, you will see Trim Castle. Trim Castle Hotel is situated across the street from Trim Castle.

6 Best Things to Do at Trim Castle

Trim Castle is a beautiful medieval fortification that not only has historical interest but also provides tourists with a variety of activities. There’s something for everyone at this historic Irish monument, from immersing yourself in history to enjoying the lovely surroundings.

1. The Castle

It’s easy to see what Lord of Meath Hugh de Lacy was trying to convey with Trim Castle. It was a declaration of dominance, a warning to the local Irish that the Anglo-Norman conquerors were here to stay. This huge, 20-sided cruciform structure, the walls of which are three meters thick in parts, served as a stronghold. It was also a house.

When you go inside the Great Hall, you might envision magnificent feasts and flaming flames. Climbing the tiny spiral staircase to the chapel will put you in the footsteps of many devout castle dwellers.

And, if you gaze out over the battlements atop the three-story keep, you’ll find a scene that hasn’t altered much since the castle’s construction: the River Boyne running below, and Trim’s lush commonage reaching out as far as the eye can see.

2. Trim Castle River Walk

If you enjoy the countryside, the sound of rushing rivers, and historic medieval remains, the Trim Castle River Walk is for you. Starting at Trim Castle, this walk will take you to some of Trim’s most prominent remains while following the banks of the lively River Boyne.

You’ll arrive at Newtown after passing past St Mary’s Abbey, Shees Gate, and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul.

The walk lasts around 30 minutes and includes interpretive panels that describe life in Trim throughout the Middle Ages along the way. For good reason, this is one of Meath’s most popular treks.

3. Enjoy the Views

Trim Castle’s most famous fight was a fictitious one. Despite being set in Scotland, Mel Gibson’s Oscar-winning epic Braveheart was partially shot in Ireland, with Trim Castle serving as the walled English town of York. The London scenes were shot inside the castle walls.

Walking through the castle grounds and along the River Boyne, it’s easy to see why the filmmakers fell in love with the area. The inside of the castle is breathtaking, with guided tours offering access to the keep, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding area.

4. Bective Abbey

Bective Abbey is only slightly a 10-minute drive from Trim and well worth a visit. The remains of Bective Abbey, located in the middle of a field adjacent to the River Boyne, are free to view and there is parking nearby.

The Cistercian Order built this monastery in 1147 intending to rediscover the simplicity of monastic life. The remains that remain now are mostly from the 13th and 15th centuries.

Visitors will see the chapter house, the church, and the cloister. Bective Abbey was closed down in 1543 during King Henry VIII’s reign, after the destruction of the monasteries.

5. Take a Picture with the Outside Walls

The outer walls are the primary thing you notice as you approach Trim Castle, and they are breathtaking. They originate from the 1170s and are surrounded by powerful towers, between which two gates, the Trim Gate and the somewhat later Dublin Gate, stand.

We strongly advise you to stroll around these walls: they are enclosed by grass, and the main path with pavement still follows their pattern, allowing you to understand how vast this castle was and, to some extent, still is.

6. Go to the Top of the Main Tower

The castle was created as a military bastion to challenge the might of Strongbow, who had his headquarters in Kilkenny, and it genuinely dominates the surrounding landscape.

Once on top of the tower, you can enjoy the castle’s vantage point and how far you can view from here.

You will also see how close the river Boyne is, two factors that were significant in deciding where to locate such an important military position.

Best Group Day Tour to Join in Trim Castle

Joining a group day trip is strongly suggested to make the most of your stay. We’ll look at some of the Trim Castle group day tours and why it’s a must-see for history buffs, architectural fans, and anybody wishing to immerse themselves in the beauty of Ireland’s medieval age.

From Dublin: Newgrange, Trim Castle and Hill of Tara

Pick up location: Dublin
Price: $606.93 per group up to 8

Step back in time and immerse yourself in Ireland’s rich history with a journey through the Boyne Valley. From megalithic tombs to medieval castles, this tour offers a glimpse into Ireland’s ancient past and its enduring legends.

Day Tour Highlights:

• Marvel at the megalithic tombs of Newgrange.
• Capture breathtaking views at the Hill of Tara.
• Explore the medieval grandeur of Trim Castle (featured in Braveheart).

The Boyne Valley is a treasure trove of Ireland’s ancient heritage. This tour invites you to explore the iconic landmarks of Ireland’s Ancient East, delving into the wonders of pre-Celtic, medieval, and 17th-century Ireland.

Your adventure begins in Dublin and takes you to Newgrange, the Hill of Tara, and the majestic Trim Castle. Along the way, uncover the stories of portal tombs, hill forts, and the religious conflicts that shaped Irish history.

Led by a history postgraduate with a deep passion for Ireland’s ancient marvels, this tour combines historical insight with a touch of adventure.

To make your day even more memorable, we’ll stop for a delicious lunch at a traditional Irish pub.

Customized tours are available upon request, and any questions are warmly welcomed.

To book this tour click here. 

History & Heritage Tour: Kells, Trim, Loughcrew Cairns, Fore

Pick up location: Dublin City
Price:$ 522.49 per group up to 4

Discover Ireland’s ancient heritage and authentic charm on this unforgettable day tour. From the mysterious passage tombs of Loughcrew to the iconic Fore Abbey, a distillery tour, and the historic town of Kells, you’ll experience the best of Irish history and culture in one day.

Day Tour Highlights:

• Travel back in time at Loughcrew Cairns and explore 6,000 years of history.
• Visit four iconic sites in one day: passage tombs, Fore Abbey, a distillery, and Kells.
• Experience authentic Ireland with a local whiskey tour and tasting session.
• Discover the Irish countryside and enjoy a peaceful escape from Dublin.

Start your adventure with a hotel pick-up in Dublin, followed by a scenic drive through the idyllic Irish countryside.

Begin your journey at Loughcrew Cairns, a series of passage tombs that predate the Egyptian pyramids and Newgrange. Step back over 6,000 years as you explore this fascinating site with your expert guide.

Next, visit the storied grounds of Fore Abbey. Discover its rich history and uncover its remarkable artifacts as you wander through this legendary site.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local distillery, where you’ll meet the owner for a guided tour and tasting session. Learn the secrets of Irish whiskey-making and hear the poignant stories behind this cherished tradition.

The day continues in the historic town of Kells, home to the iconic Book of Kells and St. Columcille’s first monastery. Admire the town’s stunning round tower and ancient high crosses.

Alternatively, you can choose to visit Trim Castle, Ireland’s largest and best-preserved Anglo-Norman castle, famously featured in Mel Gibson’s Braveheart.

End the day with a relaxing ride back to Dublin, arriving just in time for dinner.

To book this tour click here.

Practical Tips for the Trim Castle Day Trip

If you’re considering a day trip to Trim Castle, here are some helpful hints to make your visit unique.

Operating Hours may Change

The operation hours of the facility vary throughout the year, being shorter during the off-season. The castle grounds are open to the public for free. Guided tours of the castle grounds are given Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

There are Steep Staircases

Don’t forget to visit Trim, which has historic 13th-century walls that still exist surrounding it.

Please keep in mind that the paid parking lot has a 2-hour time limit. Access for visitors with impairments is restricted.

Be warned that guests with disabilities are unable to access the keep due to the high steps. If you visit during the rainy season, it might get quite muddy, so make sure you wear appropriate footwear.

Check Out Old Brides

While at Trim, visit Ireland’s oldest intact and unmodified bridge, which is located close to the castle. It was constructed across the Boyne River in 1393.

Visit the Jealous Man as well as Woman’s Tomb in the cemetery of Saint Peter and Paul’s Cathedral.

Trim Castle’s Architecture

Trim Castle is Ireland’s biggest Cambro-Norman castle. The cruciform fortress has twenty corners and a three-story keep. The structure of the castle was essentially dictated by the need for strength, which resulted in robust buildings of great beauty.

The castle, despite it appears to be in ruins, is a work of art and a symbol of Ireland’s power. When the sky is clear at night, the castle appears to be a lovely romantic narrative, but during the day, it is a powerful military fortress.

The castle does not have a conflict of opposing architectural styles like the Victorian; rather, it was designed as a Norman fortress and has remained that way for 800 years.

Is Trim Castle Worth Visiting?

Trim Castle is Ireland’s largest, best-preserved, and most spectacular Anglo-Norman castle. Trim Castle is a must-see for anybody interested in history or Irish culture.

This medieval castle is Ireland’s largest and best-preserved of its kind. It was utilized as a set in the film Braveheart and will leave you speechless. A visit to Trim Castle is like traveling back in time.