Clear view to develop new Trim Castle visitor centre

No submissions were received during the public consultation period on plans to transform the Market House building in Trim into a modern visitor centre for Trim Castle, with the planners recommending that the development should proceed.

The ambitious plan will see the Market House building conserved, refurbished and extended to provide a state-of-the-art visitor centre.

Central to the plan is the removal of the old dance hall along with the fly tower to open up views of the castle from the street. A modern extension of 200sqm with a roof terrace is also to be added to the rear of the building.

Trim Castle was one of the OPW's most visited paid for sites in the country last year, attracting over 110,000 visitors. It was ranked seventh nationwide ahead of the World Heritage site of Brú na Bóinne but its visitor centre lets it down and is far below what is expected for a heritage site of its status.

The plans were on public display in line with the part eight planning process and no submissions were received during that time. In the part eight planning report, the planner considered that the proposed development would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and the policies and objectives of the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 and recommended that planning be approved. Councillors broadly welcomed the report and supported the recommendation.

Cllr Joe Fox said he fully supported the proposals and they should move ahead as soon as possible with the plans. “It is going to be another great boost to the tourist infrastructure in Trim and will upgrade the visitor experience so the sooner it goes ahead the better.”

Cllr Noel French added: “This will be a major development for Trim. A major step forward for our interpretation of the castle and our presentation for visitors who come to Trim. Trim's motto is always welcome the visitor and this will only help them welcome them more.”

Cllr Ronan Moore said it would be another great asset to the town- both for the town and from the history point of view and said he was happy to support it.

The intention is that the visitor centre would be used by members of the public as a tourist hub and gateway to the castle and wider heritage town. The spaces include a reception area, exhibition spaces, offices, toilet facilities, a new lift, and stairways. The new visitor centre will also include a staff canteen and toilet.

The moat area to the rear of the Market House will be landscaped with reflecting pools, tall grasses and medieval plants to provide a contemplative area for visitors to appreciate the Trim Gate and curtain walls of the castle.

The area to the south of the Market House will be used for outdoor performance and interpretation.

A covered walkway will connect the Market House to the base of the causeway ramp which will bring visitors up to the castle.

The public area at the base of the causeway ramp at the junction of Castle Street and French’s Lane will be landscaped to provide an enhanced public realm.