This is a belated post because there has been so much happening in the garden but I visited Trim Castle a few weeks ago on my trip to the Midlands. The castle dominates the pretty town of Trim in Co. Meath.

The castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland and was constructed over a thirty-year period by Hugh de Lacy. Construction of the massive three storied Keep, the central stronghold of the castle, was begun c. 1176 on the site of an earlier wooden fortress

Nearby is the yellow tower, so named for the colour it turns at sunset and near this is a large house that was once the home of the Duke of Wellington. He was actually born in Ireland and was twice the MP for Trim. This explains the initially rather odd column supporting a statue of the Duke in the centre of the town, erected in 1817, two years after the famous battle with Napoleon.

View from the castle ramparts showing the Wellington monument

The castle itself is well worth a visit. There is parking right beside it but there is also plenty of parking in the town and that gives you a chance to wander round the streets. Admission to the castle is just €2 but just €2 more gets you on the guided tour. I was only going to have a quick look round but I happened to get there just as a tour was starting so I joined it and I am so glad I did. The castle has been extensively restored and the tour takes you up and through the castle on new walkways and is really worth the money and the hour or so of your time.

There are many steps and high walkways so this may not be ideal for anyone frightened of heights but otherwise it is a great experience and the guide I had was very entertaining.

Trim itself is a pretty town and has many interesting sights.

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