Historic Sites in Trim

"Magnificent Castletown House simply has no peer. It is Ireland’s most imposing Georgian estate, and a testament to the vast wealth enjoyed by the Anglo-Irish gentry during the 18th century. Hour-long guided tours begin at noon and 3pm, offering an insight into how the 1% made out in the 18th century; otherwise you can wander at will. Don't miss a stroll down to the river for grand views back to the house. Castletown is signposted from junction 6 on the M4."

"Near the shores of Lough Lene, the emerald-green Fore Valley is a superb place to explore by bicycle or on foot. In AD 630 St Fechin founded a monastery just outside the village of Fore. There's nothing left of this early settlement, but three later buildings in the valley are closely associated with 'seven wonders' said to have occurred here. It's a deeply atmospheric place, even in the dead of winter, with sweeping views across a gentle valley."

"The extraordinarily preserved yet little-visited ruins of Cistercian Bective Abbey are off the R161, 7km northeast of Trim. Founded by Murchadh O'Melaghin, King of Meath, in 1147, the abbey was confiscated by Henry VIII between 1536 and 1541 to fund his military campaign. Like Trim Castle, Bective Abbey also played a starring role in the film Braveheart. The evocative ruins are free to visit and are open round the clock; there's a small car park next to the site."

"Proof of Trim's medieval importance, this remarkably preserved edifice was Ireland's largest Anglo-Norman fortification. Hugh de Lacy founded Trim Castle in 1173, but it was destroyed by Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, Ireland's last high king, within a year. The building you see today was begun around 1200 and has hardly been modified since.Entertaining guided tours involve climbing narrow, steep stairs, so aren't suitable for very young children or anyone with restricted mobility. Self-guided tours are also available."

"A startling 80m in diameter and 13m high, Newgrange's white round stone walls, topped by a grass dome, look eerily futuristic. Underneath lies the finest Stone Age passage tomb in Ireland – one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Europe. Dating from around 3200 BC, it predates Egypt's pyramids by some six centuries.The tomb's precise alignment with the sun at the time of the winter solstice suggests it was also designed to act as a calendar."

"A startling 80m in diameter and 13m high, Newgrange's white round stone walls, topped by a grass dome, look eerily futuristic. Underneath lies the finest Stone Age passage tomb in Ireland – one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Europe. Dating from around 3200 BC, it predates Egypt's pyramids by some six centuries.The tomb's precise alignment with the sun at the time of the winter solstice suggests it was also designed to act as a calendar."

"In its Anglo-Norman prime, this abbey, 1.5km off the main Drogheda–Collon road (R168), was the Cistercians' first and most magnificent centre in Ireland. Highly evocative and well worth exploring, the ruins still reflect the site's former splendour.Mellifont's most recognisable building and one of the country's finest examples of Cistercian architecture is the 13th-century lavabo, the monks' octagonal washing room."

"Proof of Trim's medieval importance, this remarkably preserved edifice was Ireland's largest Anglo-Norman fortification. Hugh de Lacy founded Trim Castle in 1173, but it was destroyed by Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, Ireland's last high king, within a year. The building you see today was begun around 1200 and has hardly been modified since.Entertaining guided tours involve climbing narrow, steep stairs, so aren't suitable for very young children or anyone with restricted mobility. Self-guided tours are also available."

"If you are planning on visiting Phoenix Park with your little ones, consider Halfway House for your lunch or dinner. This country pub and restaurant has a large outside seating area and a cosy dining area with plenty of room for buggies. The staff is welcoming and will do everything to accommodate your family."

"One of Blanchardstown's finest pubs and there's no doubt its beer garden will be flying. They have added additional seating giving their outdoor area a capacity of approximately 50 people. Manager Gavan Whelan said: "The staff are all excited to get back doing what we do best and offering the best grub and cocktails that Dublin 15 has to offer."

"The Paddocks in Clonee are selling Kinder Bueno pancakes, white MilkyBar pancakes, white Kinder pancakes and more. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Paddocks Late Bar (@thepaddockslatebar)"

"But if you're looking to book either of their Clonee beer gardens, you better be quick because they are already almost sold out for the month of June and July."

"Near the shores of Lough Lene, the emerald-green Fore Valley is a superb place to explore by bicycle or on foot. In AD 630 St Fechin founded a monastery just outside the village of Fore. There's nothing left of this early settlement, but three later buildings in the valley are closely associated with 'seven wonders' said to have occurred here. It's a deeply atmospheric place, even in the dead of winter, with sweeping views across a gentle valley."

"A startling 80m in diameter and 13m high, Newgrange's white round stone walls, topped by a grass dome, look eerily futuristic. Underneath lies the finest Stone Age passage tomb in Ireland – one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Europe. Dating from around 3200 BC, it predates Egypt's pyramids by some six centuries.The tomb's precise alignment with the sun at the time of the winter solstice suggests it was also designed to act as a calendar."