During the Civil War, Trim Castle was occupied by Catholic Confederate forces who were opposing the parliamentarians
By the time of King Johns visit in 1210, the castle had begun to resemble today’s structure. De Lacey died before the completion of his project and the castle was finally finished in 1224.
Further modifications to Trim Castle fell to Geoffrey de Geneville, De Lacy’s grandson-in-law during the end of the 13th century. Geoffrey was involved in the crusades and latter became a monk at the Dominican abbey which he founded in 1263.
For the next 300 years Trim Castle enjoyed a relatively quiet life when in 1536, Silken Thomas besieged and conquered the castle. During the Civil War, the castle was occupied by Catholic Confederate forces who were opposing the parliamentarians. Charles Coote and his band of Comwellian forces took the castle in 1649, severely damaging the town’s walls and yellow Steeple.
Up until the 15th century the castle contained the Royal mint which manufactured Irish coins called ‘Patricks’ and ‘Irelands’. In 1971, archaeological excavations were undertaken and the bodies of 10 headless men (most probably criminals) were uncovered. These bodies may have been as a result of the proclamation of King Edward IV who in 1465, ordered that anyone who was caught in the act of robbing or was about to commit an act of robbery, were to be sentenced to death by execution. This took the form of loosing your head and having it displayed on spikes as a warning to others.
The cannons you encounter as you enter the castles car park are captured Russian guns from the Crimean War and bear the insignia of the imperial double-headed eagle. Today Trim Castle is undergoing an extensive renovation program which will last several years.
Tourist InformationOpening Times May - October Daily 10:00-18:00 Last admission 45 mins. before closing Admisssion Prices Adult €3.50 Child €1.25 Student €1.25 Senior €2.50 Family €8.25
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