Ithaca College

Laser Scanning Trim Castle: exploring the potential of 3D laser scanning for the digital preservation of archaeological monuments

 Trim Castle sits beside a slight bend in the River Boyne in Trim, Co. Meath where it has dominated the landscape for almost eight and a half centuries. This “Key of the Pale” has seen a colourful history of politics and war, invasion and rebellion, loyalty and betrayal. Many have called the castle home over its long tenure, but by the late seventeenth century, it had seen generations of neglect, gradually falling into disrepair. It was around this time that the north tower of the keep collapsed. The castle had long-since stopped serving as a residence, and by 1822 it had been sold. Stone by stone much of the structures in the castle were torn down and the stones repurposed (Potterton 2003).

Historians and conservationists have worked to save whatever they can as time takes its toll on this mighty structure. At 25 metres tall, the keep alone poses a major challenge for taking hand measurements. So how can it be preserved? Initial archaeological excavations were carried out in 1971-1974 and disagreements about how to best use the castle grounds remained an issue. In 1981 it became a pitch-and-putt course. In 1994 Trim Castle became a set location for the film Braveheart. The scaffolding was dismantled to make room for the film set, and conservation efforts were put on hold. From 1995-1998 the Office of Public Works carried out a multi-million Euro programme of excavation and conservation, under the directorship of Alan Hayden (2011). A detailed architectural survey revealed much about the castle’s history, including different phases of construction. The primary goals were to preserve the keep, curtain wall, and gates. Walkways were installed to provide access to more of the keep, and roof covers were added to protect the interior. The Castle was opened for tourism in 2000.The current programme to digitally preserve Trim Castle began summer 2016 with support from the Office of Public Works and the local community. This work was initiated by a team from Ithaca College in New York, facilitated by the Irish Archaeology Field School, with the goal of scanning the Barbican Gate and Curtain Wall.