Castle - motte

The National Monuments Service's description

At At the E end of a N-S ridge in undulating countryside with panoramic views in all directions. A circular dome-like mound (diam. c. 60m), that rises above a scarp (H 0.5-1.4m) from SSE-S-W, is encircled by a berm (Wth 6-7.5m; H 1.34-1.75m). The latter is enclosed by a low bank of earth and stone (Wth 6.45m; H 0.45m) from NNE-E-SSW and a low scarp (H 1.35-1.75m) from SSW-N-NNE. An intervening fosse (Wth 6.5-8.3m; D 0.85m) is visible from E-ESE, at SSE and from WNW-N and an outer bank is identifiable only at E. The original entrance appears to have been at NW where a causeway or slight ramp (Wth c. 3m) crosses the fosse. The classification of this monument is problematic. Bradley et al. (1985, 18) regarded it as a ringfort and suggested that the castle (LF010-08004-) built by Uilliam O Ferghaill (O'Farrell) in 1405 may have been located here rather than on the motte and bailey (LF010-080001-), c. 770m to the NE, in Granard. However, it appears to be some form of fortification, possibly an earth and timber castle that was refortified in the 15th century or it could be an interesting example of a 15th-century Gaelic earth and timber castle.

Compiled by: Patrick F. O'Donovan

Date of upload: 16 April 2012

References

Bradley, J., Halpin, A. and King, H. 1985 Urban archaeological survey - county Longford. Unpublished report commissioned by the Office of Public Works, Dublin.