Sheep Gate facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sheep Gate
Geata an Chaora
General information
Type	town gate
Location	Trim, County Meath, Ireland
Coordinates	53°33′19″N 6°47′16″W / 53.555281°N 6.787875°W / 53.555281; -6.787875
Completed	13th/14th century AD
Technical details
Material	limestone, mortar
Designations	Designations National Monument of Ireland Official name Sheep Gate Reference no. 469

The Sheep Gate is an old gate in the town of Trim, Ireland. It's a special place called a National Monument, which means it's protected because of its history.

History of the Sheep Gate

An old drawing from 1903 showing the Sheep Gate and the Yellow Steeple.

The Sheep Gate is the only gate left from five gates that used to let people into Trim. The town's strong walls and gates were built a long time ago, in the 13th or 14th century.

Why is it called the Sheep Gate?

The gate might be called the Sheep Gate because people had to pay a small fee to bring sheep through it. This fee was for sheep being brought to the market to be sold. For example, in 1290, it cost one penny for every ten sheep.

Another idea is that the name "Sheep Gate" comes from an old word, "cheap," which meant "market." So, it could have been the "Market Gate." However, this name wasn't written down until the 1800s. Before that, it might have been called the Porch Gate. This name could come from the French word porte, meaning "door."

In the past, the gate was locked every night from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m. to keep the town safe.

About the Gate Structure

The Sheep Gate with Trim Castle in the background.

Sheep Gate with the Yellow Steeple behind it.

The Sheep Gate was the entrance to the town from the southeast. It stands just north of the River Boyne. Today, the Sheep Gate is still a stone archway that you can walk through.