Trim Castle
Trim Castle, Co. Meath
A floodlit view of Trim Castle, Co. Meath.
By permission of Meath County Library.Trim Castle, Co. Meath
By permission of Meath County Library.
By permission of Meath County Library.
Trim Castle, Co. Meath
A floodlit view of Trim Castle, Co. Meath.
By permission of Meath County Library.Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman Castle in Ireland. It was built by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. Construction began in approximately 1170 and continued for more than thirty years.
Trim Castle is a massive building, which was protected in the past by a moat that circled it. The castle fell into ruin and is no longer inhabited. However, after extensive excavation and restoration Trim Castle was opened to the public in 2000. It is now accessible by guided tour.
Big Houses
The country homes of the Anglo-Irish landed gentry were referred to as 'big houses' for centuries. They usually encompassed large estates, and the landlords rented out plots of land to native Irish tenants. There were over 4,000 big houses in Ireland in the early 1800s. Today, there are less than 100 remaining.
Randalstown House, Co. Meath
Construction on Randalstown House began in 1710. In 1780, a third storey was added. The estate was acquired by the Tara Mines in the 1970s. The house is no longer standing.
Gillman Collection, Irish Architectural Archive.Randalstown House, Co. Meath
Gillman Collection, Irish Architectural Archive.
Gillman Collection, Irish Architectural Archive.
Randalstown House, Co. Meath
Construction on Randalstown House began in 1710. In 1780, a third storey was added. The estate was acquired by the Tara Mines in the 1970s. The house is no longer standing.
Gillman Collection, Irish Architectural Archive.Many fine big houses were built in County Meath. Some, like Randalstown House, are no longer standing. Others, like Slane Castle and Headfort house, are still in use for various different purposes.
Slane Castle, Co. Meath
A view of the entrance to Slane Castle, Co. Meath.
By permission of Meath County Library.Slane Castle, Co. Meath
By permission of Meath County Library.
By permission of Meath County Library.
Slane Castle, Co. Meath
A view of the entrance to Slane Castle, Co. Meath.
By permission of Meath County Library.Slane Castle has been home to the Conyngham family since 1701. The castle overlooks the River Boyne and is only a few miles upstream from the site of the famous Battle of the Boyne. In 1991, a fire caused extensive damage to the castle. Restoration was completed in 2001.
Concert at Slane Castle, Co. Meath
View of Slane Castle during the annual concert event. Concert goers are sitting and lying on the grass.
By permission of Meath County Library.Concert at Slane Castle, Co. Meath
By permission of Meath County Library.
By permission of Meath County Library.
Concert at Slane Castle, Co. Meath
View of Slane Castle during the annual concert event. Concert goers are sitting and lying on the grass.
By permission of Meath County Library.Since 1981, rock concerts have been held on the grounds of the castle during the summer. Many of the most famous musical acts in the world have played there, including the Rolling Stones, R.E.M., U2, and David Bowie.
Headfort House, Co. Meath
The construction of Headfort House near Kells, Co. Meath, was completed in 1775. It now houses a school and a private home.
By permission of Meath County Library.Headfort House, Co. Meath
By permission of Meath County Library.
By permission of Meath County Library.
Headfort House, Co. Meath
The construction of Headfort House near Kells, Co. Meath, was completed in 1775. It now houses a school and a private home.
By permission of Meath County Library.Headfort House is located near Kells, Co. Meath. The building was completed in 1775. Like many big houses, Headfort House is no longer used solely as a private residence. The main building and one of the wings now houses Headfort School. A large portion of the grounds are now incorporated into Headfort Golf Course.