Trim, an old town in County Meath, has a lot to offer in terms of history, culture, and traditions. In many places, pieces of history are lost over time due to the lack of proper preservation. Luckily, this is not the case in Trim, where a considerable amount of effort is being put into preserving its ruins and other pieces of history. If you’re staying nearby such as at an Airbnb vacation rental in Navan, 16 -minutes away from Trim, visit the town today, and discover many fascinating structures that served as churches, fortifications, utility buildings, and residential houses in ancient times. These ruins, combined with the beautiful landscape and countless natural features, make Trim a great place to unwind and the perfect destination to visit on vacations. So, stay at one of the Airbnb vacation rentals and explore all the best things to do in Trim, Ireland.
1. Visit Wellington Memorial
Constructed in 1817, Wellington Memorial pays tribute to Arthur Wellesley and his victory against Napoleon. Born in Dublin, Arthur, the late Duke of Wellington, was an Irish aristocrat who spent years of his early life in Trim, Meath County. Everyone loves a legend and that’s why the statue is a proud memorial for the town of Trim.
The 23 m (75.46 ft) high Corinthian-style statue, designed by James Bell and sculpted by Thomas Kirk, is a beloved attraction in a town like Trim which is rich in history and culture. If you love architecture and sculpture, this statue is one of the top places you can visit on your trip to Trim.
Statue of Wellington
Address: Wellington Place, Trim, Co. Meath, Ireland
Website: The Wellington Memorial
2. Go kayaking at Boyne Blueway Trim
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Boyne Blueway Trim is a beautiful stretch of water where paddlers go to enjoy the scenic beauty of Boyne Valley. Covering an 8 km (4.97 mi) area on the River Boyne, the waters are great for sightseeing as the river runs through Trim, Ireland, and is best experienced by participating in the Boyne Valley activities such as guided kayaking trips and historical raft tours.
Once you’re confident in your kayaking skills, join your fellow adventures as you try to beat the best record for paddling through the Boyne Blueway. Exploring the entire stretch of water can take between 2-3 hours, and if you’re not in the mood to go paddling for so long, there are land activities such as archery and team-building exercises that you can enjoy.
The Boyne Blueway Trim
Address: Jonathan, Swift Street, Townparks North, Trim, Co. Meath, Ireland
Website: The Boyne Blueway Trim
3. Go back in time at Trim Castle (from USD 113.0)
Castles in Ireland are a major attraction, and each year, tourists, both local and foreign, visit the country to explore them—along with other ancient structures exhibiting outstanding architectural prowess. One of the most visited castles is Trim, Norman’s largest castle. Trim Castle is a massive structure situated in the picturesque Boyne Valley, which boasts lush vegetation and a variety of natural features. Notwithstanding its age, Trim Castle has retained much of its original beauty; its 20-sided tower, thick walls, and stony appearance are still intact even though it was constructed in the 12th century. So when you visit, ensure you take many photos.
Tip from tour guide
Some facts about Trim castle:
It was the center of administration for the Lordship of Meath, which covered a large portion of the province of Leinster.
It was used as a location in the film adaptation of Mel Gibson's "Braveheart" (1995), representing the location of York.
It has a unique feature in the form of a circular tower known as "King John's Tower." This tower is one of the earliest examples of circular tower construction in Ireland and is believed to have been built as a keep for King John of England during his visit to Ireland in the early 13th century.
It has undergone numerous renovations and restorations throughout its history, including a major restoration in the 19th century that involved the reconstruction of several sections of the castle using local sandstone.
Castles & Whiskey Tour from Dublin
Duration: 8 hours
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4. Sanctify your soul at St. Patrick's Cathedral
![St. Patrick's cathedral church (Church of Ireland), Loman Street [Trim] Ref-100679](http://static.trip101.com/paragraph_media/pictures/002/882/849/large/15936333599_095200909e_b.jpg?1698647265)
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is another historical site in Trim that continues to wow visitors with its immense beauty and rich heritage. A trip to St. Patrick’s Cathedral offers a unique opportunity to view exemplary works of art, including the immaculate stained-glass windows designed by St. Patrick himself. Further, there are several headstones within the cathedral’s compound, which allow visitors to honor and reverence the religious leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving the community. The church is also still operational today, so you can worship here with the locals. Clearly, this destination is perfect for historians and those seeking a sense of peace and redemption from the world’s tribulations.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Address: St Lorman St, Trim
Website: St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Opening hours: Varies
Trim Tour Guide
Diana M
Hi there! I am Diana :) My passion in life (next to my loved ones) is travelling and meeting new people, showing others the beauty of the world, art in various forms. My private guided day tours are experiences that are unique and are a great way to do an interesting activity without being overwhelmed. You get to do something only few other travellers would get to do and a chance to gain a local perspective. As your guide, I want to open you the door to Ireland's untouched beauty, from scenic cliffs to fairytale like forests and would point out many details you wouldn’t uncover on your own. You might also like to do an activity which can be difficult without local knowledge, like hiking or horse riding, - I am here to help and guide you. I’ll handle all the planning and the driving on the left hand side of the road, so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and soak in the beautiful sights and compelling stories. Ireland won’t leave you untouched and I will be delighted to be your guide and ‘local expert’ here. Hope to see you on one of my trips to the heart and soul of our beautiful country!
Tours by Diana
5. Discover Trim's rich heritage at Meath Heritage Centre
Visit Meath Heritage Centre to discover and learn more about the rich heritage of County Meath that has been preserved in the facility for centuries. Meath Heritage Centre has extensive records of the county and its residents that can be used as a reference point for those looking for historical enlightenment. Also, if you believe you have roots in County Meath, this heritage center is the place to go. In this regard, Meath Heritage Centre offers professional genealogy services to help those looking for their ancestral origin. There are baptism, marriage, census, and land records that you can browse through to learn more about your ancestors.
Meath Heritage Centre
Address: Castle St, Trim
Website: Meath Heritage Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 1pm, 2pm 5pm (closed on Sat - Sun)
6. Explore local crafts
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If you love arts and crafts, you should consider the great pieces of Ireland artistry exhibited at Meath County Crafts in Trim Visitor Centre. Meath County Crafts offers a tremendous audiovisual display of a variety of crafts that have roots in the Boyne Valley area. For instance, there are impressive designs of pottery, leatherworks, ceramics, and metalworks that you can admire and buy as souvenirs. Jewelry is also featured, so remember to include a few pieces to your collection. The workshops and crafters of these masterpieces are found nearby, so arrange to visit them and learn more about the process of designing and making different crafts if you can.
Meath County Crafts
Address: Trim Visitor Centre, Mill St, Trim
Website: Meath County Crafts
7. Explore Priory of St. John the Baptist
![Priory Of St. John The Baptist In Trim County Meath [Ireland]](http://static.trip101.com/paragraph_media/pictures/002/882/852/large/10706572843_02bcbb0fea_b.jpg?1698647265)
Next to Newton Bridge on River Boyne lies Priory of St. John the Baptist, an impressive ruin founded for the Crutched Friars in the early 1200s to care for the sick. Today, there are a few remains that make wandering through the ruins a lot of fun. These include the gigantic three-light window, church, nave, and chancel, among others. Besides the historical enlightenment in Priory of St. John the Baptist, try picnicking or strolling around the compound—the ruins are surrounded by a beautiful lawn, river, and small bridge, which when combined make the area a true paradise.
Priory of St. John the Baptist
Address: Old Lackanash Rd, Trim
Website: Priory of St. John the Baptist
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Visit St. Mary's Abbey
The ruins at St. Mary’s Abbey have truly stood the test of time because even after several rampant attacks and attempts to burn down the structure, the towering Yellow Steeple still stands firm on the site. Once you visit, you can stroll around as you admire a true piece of history demonstrating the architectural proficiency of the Augustinians. In addition to that, there are a few spots where you can pose for great photos to keep as souvenirs or even share with family and friends on social media. Before you leave the ruins, make it a point to interact with the locals and listen to their fascinating stories about the troubled past of St. Mary’s Abbey.
St. Mary's Abbey
Address: River Boyne, Trim
Website: St. Mary’s Abbey
9. Discover Ireland's Oldest Bridge
The bridge that links St. Mary’s Abbey and Trim Castle on River Boyne was built in the early 14th century, making it the oldest of its kind in Ireland. The cool breeze that sweeps over the bridge is very calming, and that is why you should spare a few minutes to experience this total tranquility. Also, there are many things to view while at the bridge as it is surrounded by ancient ruins, traditional buildings, a meandering river, and extensive lands covered by well-maintained grass. Sometimes you will see some of the locals fly-fishing a few steps from the bridge. Do not be shy, interact with them, and purchase some for family dinner.
Ireland's Oldest Bridge
Address: Bridge St, Townparks South, Trim
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. See Sheep's Gate
Sheep’s Gate was built between the 13th and 14th centuries as the southeastern passage for traders who used to visit Trim with flocks of sheep, among other commodities. The gate has not been affected considerably by humans and the changing weather conditions in Trim. In fact, Sheep’s Gate has retained most of its original beauty, including the layers of stone, beautiful designs, and a small gate on the side. An added advantage of visiting the site is that it leads to other attractions, including Trim Castle. So you can use it to connect to other places—like what traders and locals used to do over seven centuries ago.
Sheep's Gate
Address: Trim
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Go for full-body rejuvenation
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’ve checked out all the historical and cultural sites in Trim and are wondering what more to do, visit River Spa in Knightsbrook Hotel. The facility offers top-quality recreational therapy that draws from Mother Nature, fused with modern science to produce a comprehensive and effective treatment scheme. Come here for your weekend getaway to enjoy the exclusive tranquility pro-sleep massage, full-body waxing and threading, among other services. After your sessions at River Spa, you will be fully pampered, your tense muscles will be relaxed, and your overall health will be boosted. What’s more, the spa shares the locality with other recreational facilities, including hotels, bars, a golf course, and a health club, so there are plenty of opportunities to make long-lasting memories at Knightsbrook Hotel.
Knightsbrook Hotel Spa and Golf Resort
Address: Dublin Rd, Iffernock, Trim
Website: Knightsbrook Hotel Spa and Golf Resort
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Try some of the best things to do in Trim
As can be seen, there are plenty of fun things to do in Trim—from exploring its ancient castles to visiting medieval places of worship and other social functions. With all these options, it can be overwhelming to decide what to indulge in while in town, so we have compiled for you a starter pack of the best things to do in Trim, Ireland.
Frequently asked questions about the things to do in Trim, Ireland
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