Castles, Craftsmanship & Whiskey Tasting

Step into medieval Ireland with a guided tour of Trim Castle, the largest Norman castle in Ireland. Experience traditional Irish craftsmanship with An Gobha Iron Works, a blacksmithing demonstration by Tom King. End the day with a premium tour and tasting at Slane Whiskey Distillery, or opt for a factory tour at Newbridge Silverware, known for Irish design and fashion.

Trim Castle. The largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, was constructed over a thirty-year period by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. Hugh de Lacy was granted the Liberty of Meath by King Henry II in 1172 in an attempt to curb the expansionist policies of Richard de Clare, (Strongbow).  Construction of the massive three storied Keep, the central stronghold of the castle, was begun c.1176 on the site of an earlier wooden fortress. This massive twenty-sided tower, which is cruciform in shape, was protected by a ditch, curtain wall and moat.

‘An Gobha’: We will take you to ‘An Gobha’ an immersive experience of traditional iron age metal forging, demonstrated by Tom King, a local Blacksmith. This experience is delivered with theatre, stories, myth, history, and a bit of ‘craic’. Tom King specialises in the reproduction of early Celtic Ironworks. Here the ancient skill of metal forging is kept alive. Throughout history, blacksmiths were considered somewhat of mythical figures, with the ability to place curses with the help of an anvil and cure the sick. Tom has fascinating stories to tell.

Slane Whiskey Distillery. A tour of Slane Distillery takes visitors through the heritage room, barley room, cooperage, and maturation warehouse before a final stop that provides a view of the pot stills and production areas. The tour concludes in the best way possible with a taste of the signature triple casked blend, Slane Irish Whiskey.