January 9th- Trim Castle

Monasterboise Monastery founded by Saint Buithe.

Group Shot

Melefont Abbey

The battlefield where the Battle of the Boyne took place in 1690.

Battle of the Boyne

Outer wall of Trim Castle

Trim Castle

Inside of a tower at Trim

View from the top of Trim Castle

Sunset at the top of the Trim Castle

Woke up early today because we had a jam packed day.  We first went to the Monasterboise, which is a monastery founded by Saint Buithe in 520, who was a follower of St. Patrick.  I found this site interesting because it has Muirdach's Cross, which dates back to the 900's and depicts Christian salvation history.  After spending some time at the cemetery we headed to Melefont Abbey, which was founded in the twelfth century.  Here there are interesting ruins and it showed to be a place of conflict between the continental and Irish way of monastic life.  Next we visited the Battle of the Boyne.  No year in Irish history is better known than 1690. No Irish battle is more famous than William III's victory over James II at the River Boyne.  It was astonishing to look out over the battle field where you knew so many men were killed.  Finally, we were off to tour the spectacular Trim Castle.  The castle was located directly across from our hotel which gave us a great view at night.  The castle dates back to 1170, and it was occupied by the Normans.  We toured the entire castle and were able to go on the roof.  Lucky for us, the sun was setting just as we got to the top.  This made for some great pictures!