Fodor's Expert Review Trim Castle

The long-abandoned but still largely intact castle was once the largest Anglo-Norman fortress in Ireland. Trim Castle dominates present-day Trim from its 2½-acre site, which slopes down to the river's placid waters. Built by Hugh de Lacy in 1173, the castle was soon destroyed, then rebuilt from 1190 to 1220. The ruins include an enormous keep with 70-foot-high turrets flanked by rectangular towers. The outer castle wall is almost 500 yards long, and five D-shape towers survive. So impressive is the castle that it was used as a medieval backdrop in the movie Braveheart. You are free to roam the castle, but the admission price includes a house tour.