AT CHRISTMAS I EXPLORED THE BOYNE VIEWING AREA IN TRIM
At Christmas, I explored the Boyne Viewing Area in Trim, specifically around Elder Grove, Cedar Grove, and Boyne View.
Trim, a historic walled town, once boasted five major gates, of which only the Sheep Gate remains. Though Athboy, Navan, and Water Gates no longer exist physically, they remain on maps and in local knowledge. My initial intention was to explore the Watergate Area, but a rainstorm and waterlogged ground forced me to change plans.
I arrived via the footbridge connecting Jonathan Swift Street to trails on the opposite side of the River Boyne. Google Maps refers to it as Trim Footbridge, though it was closed during my visit. The castle also has a pedestrian bridge, which I'll discuss later.
Nearby stands the new Watergate Bridge. Its predecessor, a four-span cast-iron bridge built in 1904, was an unusual example of its era's construction in Ireland. A plaque commemorates its builders: "Watergate Bridge 1904 built by J.H. Moore G.S. Collins & Newman. Contractors." Due to disrepair and flooding issues, it was replaced with a low-rise parabolic arch design featuring cantilevered walkways.
The new bridge, spanning 35 meters, incorporates a unique design to minimize structural depth and mitigate flooding. Interestingly, during 2010 renovations on Watergate Street, a medieval cobbled street surface was unearthed, revealing a layer of history beneath the modern town.
The Boyne viewing area is a scenic walkway along the river, offering views of Trim Castle, the Yellow Steeple, and Newtown Cathedral. Mostly paved with benches for rest, it's a lovely spot to enjoy the surroundings.
The streets I mentioned – Elder Grove, Cedar Grove, and Boyne View – are primarily residential areas conveniently located near the River Boyne and the viewing area.
Trim, a historic walled town, once boasted five major gates, of which only the Sheep Gate remains. Though Athboy, Navan, and Water Gates no longer exist physically, they remain on maps and in local knowledge. My initial intention was to explore the Watergate Area, but a rainstorm and waterlogged ground forced me to change plans.
I arrived via the footbridge connecting Jonathan Swift Street to trails on the opposite side of the River Boyne. Google Maps refers to it as Trim Footbridge, though it was closed during my visit. The castle also has a pedestrian bridge, which I'll discuss later.
Nearby stands the new Watergate Bridge. Its predecessor, a four-span cast-iron bridge built in 1904, was an unusual example of its era's construction in Ireland. A plaque commemorates its builders: "Watergate Bridge 1904 built by J.H. Moore G.S. Collins & Newman. Contractors." Due to disrepair and flooding issues, it was replaced with a low-rise parabolic arch design featuring cantilevered walkways.
The new bridge, spanning 35 meters, incorporates a unique design to minimize structural depth and mitigate flooding. Interestingly, during 2010 renovations on Watergate Street, a medieval cobbled street surface was unearthed, revealing a layer of history beneath the modern town.
The Boyne viewing area is a scenic walkway along the river, offering views of Trim Castle, the Yellow Steeple, and Newtown Cathedral. Mostly paved with benches for rest, it's a lovely spot to enjoy the surroundings.
The streets I mentioned – Elder Grove, Cedar Grove, and Boyne View – are primarily residential areas conveniently located near the River Boyne and the viewing area.
AT CHRISTMAS I EXPLORED THE BOYNE VIEWING AREA IN TRIM