Trim Castle is a 12th-century Anglo-Norman stronghold on the banks of the River Boyne, with a cruciform keep that is the largest of its kind in Ireland. The grounds are freely walkable; access to the keep interior and battlements is by guided tour only, run by the OPW at set times throughout the day.
| Distance | 45 km from city centre |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1 hour by bus |
| Getting there | Bus Éireann route 111 (buseireann.ie) from Busáras, hourly via Batterstown; 1h; from €10 one-way (~$11) |
| Address | Castle Street, Trim, County Meath, C15 HN90, Ireland |
How to get there
- Bus Éireann route 111
- Guided day tour (often combined with Newgrange/Boyne Valley)
- Car (45 min via N3)
Weather through the year in Ireland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Ireland.
Location
Castle Street, Trim, County Meath, C15 HN90, Ireland
53.5556, -6.7911 View on map
Highlights
- The 20-sided cruciform keep, accessible only via a timed OPW guided tour (tickets at the visitor centre, cannot be pre-booked online — arrive early in peak season)
- The free-to-walk castle grounds and River Boyne towpath
- Trim town itself, a compact medieval streetscape with the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey and the Yellow Steeple across the river
- Can be paired with Newgrange/Brú na Bóinne (20 minutes further by car) for a combined Boyne Valley day
Tips for visiting
- Keep tours run on a first-come basis in high season — arrive at opening (9:30am) on summer weekends to avoid a sold-out slot
- There is no direct public transport link between Trim and Newgrange; a car is the only practical way to combine both in one day
- The castle featured as York in Braveheart (1995); look for the information panels near the entrance noting film locations