Braveheart’s Castle

One of my favorite castles to visit was Trim Castle, better known as the site where the movie “Braveheart” was filmed. This castle was one of the greatest Norman structures we saw. I could feel the ghosts of knights and warriors. The Irish Heritage Society decided to let the castle remain a ruin instead of trying to restore it. Personally, I thought it was a great decision. The floors are gone, being made of wood, but they did build artificial walkways so you could go to the different levels of the castle.

The first floor held models of the castle at different stages. It was where court cases were held and judgments made. The second floor contained the small chapel. The original lime whitewashing was still there in places, albeit green and moldy. Still, you could almost feel the ghosts of those who had once lived there. Not to mention, you could imagine Mel Gibson darting around in his plaid.

Further upstairs, we visited the solarium where a fireplace was later added. In the 12th century, the climate was much warmer in Ireland and they were able to grow their own grapes and have their own vineyards. Later, when it cooled, they had to add fireplaces.

Up on the last floor were the bedrooms. We entered the constable’s room, which had its own garderobe built in. If you remember the scene in Braveheart where the prince’s lover was thrown out the window, we saw it here. Only in the set, they filmed it from the outside of the castle. It amazed me how much they built in 6 months for Braveheart. All the wood, the thatched roofs, and the sets needed for the execution scene were created at Trim. A friend of mine, Daisy Cummings (who writes as Abby Green for Harlequin Presents), worked on the film Braveheart and worked with the extras in the battlescenes. I learned that Mel Gibson was a bit manic on the set, with lots of energy. I can imagine that.

Trim was such a great castle, namely because they kept the history intact and let your imagination do the rest.

P.S.–thanks to all for your feedback on author goodies. I appreciate it!