A Little Bit of History

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Duke of Wellington

O’Reilly Oakstown Environmental was founded in the town of Trim close to the ancestral home of Arthur Wesley, later to become Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington.  Although born in Dublin 30 miles south of Trim he spent much of his youth and early education at the family home, Dangan Castle near Trim. He served twice as MP for Trim before going on to considerably greater things. His memory is honoured by a statue atop a 23 metre Corinthian column in Trim.

Unfortunately, however, the family home, Dangan Castle, was accidentally destroyed by fire in the late 19th century and has lain derelict ever since.

Trim Castle

York Castle in Trim?

What has Trim got to do with York Castle, you might well ask?

The magnificent Trim Castle is the largest Norman castle in Ireland, begun in 1172 by Hugh de Lacy.

If you look carefully you will see that, in Mel Gibsons’ 1995 Academy award winning movie epic Braveheart, Trim Castle stood in for York Castle. Furthermore, nearby Bective Abbey served as the courtyard of Longshanks’ castle.

And Westminster Abbey in the wedding scene? That’ll be St Nicholas Church in the grounds of Dunsany Castle outside Trim.

We, in O’Reilly Oakstown Environmental, realise that we are fortunate to be surrounded by such a rich historical legacy and fabulous scenery. Well worth a visit by history buffs and movie fans.