Trim Castle Hotel - Heritage and Activity Tours

At Trim Castle Hotel we appreciate the rich and ancient heritage of Ireland and are fortunate to have so many ancient landmarks in our area. We also have beautiful countryside ideal for activity holidays and rolling parkland perfect for golf. So for the convenience of our visitors we have created a number of tours which capture all the local culture and activities while sharing the magical and mystical sights of County Meath. Our tour packages range from a one day tour to a five day tour. Choose any combination of the tour options within. (*Additional charges for certain activities may apply). Included in the price is luxurious 4 star accommodation at Trim Castle Hotel with full Irish Breakfast. Check out the tours and choose a package to suit you and enjoy the marvels of Meath.

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Download Trim Heritage Tours Leaflet Part 1 [PDF Format]

Download Trim Heritage Tours Leaflet Part 2 [PDF Format]

Tour one – Historical Marvels

Three historical sites in Co. Meath are listed as World Heritage Sites - Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. They have been in existence for over 5,000 years and are older than the ancient Pyramids of Egypt. With over 200,000 visitors per year the three sites are among Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions.

Newgrange

The Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange was built about 3200 BC. The kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. The 19 metre long inner passage leads to a cruciform chamber with a corbelled roof. It is estimated that the construction of the Passage Tomb at Newgrange would have taken a work force of 300 men at least 20 years to complete!

Knowth

is 95 metres in diameter, there are two passages here which are aligned to face east and west capturing the rising and setting sun at the summer and winter solstice. On view here are so many stone carvings that in total they amount to one quarter of all Europe’s Neolithic Art.

Dowth

The Fairy Mound of Darkness is about the same size as Newgrange and Knowth and was built in the same period over 5,000 years ago. The Dowth North passage is 14 metres in length; the chamber is cruciform in shape with an annex off to the right hand recess, the chamber roof is corbelled and is 3 metres high

Departure from Trim Castle Hotel is at 8.45am and on arrival at Newgrange there will be a guided tour of the tombs. The wonderful Newgrange visitor centre has displays and exhibitions depicting and describing the homes, dress, food, tools, weapons and tombs of Neolithic man. This tour lasts for approximately two hours and there is a restaurant and tea rooms on site.

The tour will Depart Newgrange at 12.00pm

The Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara was once the ancient seat of power in Ireland where 142 Kings were said to reign in Prehistoric and historic times. The name Tara is said to mean “The place of great prospect”. On a clear day it is claimed that landmarks in half the counties of Ireland can be seen from the top of the hill. The guided tour takes approximately 40 minutes and there is a coffee shop on site.

The tour will leave Depart Tara at 2.00pm.

Trim Castle

Arriving at Trim Castle at 2.30pm visitors will experience the largest Norman Castle in Ireland dating back to 1172 built by Hugh De Lacy in an attempt to curb the expansionist polices of Richard de Clare (Strongbow). The guided tour takes 45 minutes and finishes on the top of the Castle with spectacular views over the heritage town of Trim. and the surrounding countryside.

Trim Castle was location for the movie Braveheart filming of the Academy Award winning film Braveheart – (make sure to check out the photos on display taken during the filming)and an exhibition of photographs taken during the filming of the movie is currently on display and well worth a look. Everyone can then stroll across to Trim Castle Hotel at their leisure.

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