The largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland is Castle Trim. It took about 30 years for Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter to construct their home in County Meath, Trim Castle. Construction began in 1176. It is unique because of its cruciform shape, having twenty sides. As our tour guide pointed out, that may have been a drawback when trying to defend the tower from defenders.
This is the back view of the keep.
This is the entrance.
Side view of the keep.
For defensive reasons, the castle was built on the top of a hill by the Boyne River – two natural forms of defense. It also had a wall with several gates and a dry moat.
This is from the outside.
These stairs lead to the top of the gate towers.
Defensive gate and tower.
That small window is where an archer would be positioned during an attack.
That small window is where an archer would be positioned during an attack.
Dry moats would slow down the attackers.
Blue stalking before attacking.
Trim Castle actually went through three major renovations.
This is the initial construction.
Walter de Lacy wanted it taller.
This is the third reconstruction.
Do you see that slanting line? That is where Walter took a part of the original roof off and added stone to increase the height.
Near the top of the keep.
Let's talk hygiene. The two images above are a garderobe and a privy hole in the garderobe. This medieval toilet was also used for a particular type of pest control. At the very bottom of the keep was a room where all of the human waste would go. Some poor soul had the job of stirring the mess to release ammonia. You would hang your clothes in the garderobe, and the ammonia would kill the fleas, live and other pests living there.
Stone alter in the chapel.
The two niches below are also in the chapel. The bowl shape indicates they could have held holy water or the blessed sacraments.
The two niches below are also in the chapel. The bowl shape indicates they could have held holy water or the blessed sacraments.
Spiral staircase. These were built small and cramped, with the thinnest part on the right hand side, on purpose. If an attacker made it inside the castle, it would be difficult to run up the stairs with a sword drawn.
The fireplace in the solar. The solar was a gathering place for the family similar to our living rooms today, Sadly there was no television.
The picture below is some graffiti carved into the wall of the solar.
The picture below is some graffiti carved into the wall of the solar.
And now for a view from the top.
Blue gets caught. That key is the key to the castle. They locked him out.