Hillfort

The National Monuments Service's description

National Monument No. 263. On a prominent hill c. 200m to the SW of Granard town (LF010-055----). The summit of the hill is occupied by a motte and bailey (LF010-080001-). It has been suggested that the latter may have been constructed within a much-larger, pre-existing enclosure, perhaps a hillfort or monastic enclosure (Bradley et al. 1985, 18; K. O’Conor pers. comm.). The enclosure, a large oval-shaped area (c. 220m NNW–SSE; c. 170m ENE–WSW), is evident on aerial photographs (Photographic Unit, NMS) and the 1837 and 1914 editions of the OS 6-inch map. From NNW–N–SSE its footprint can be traced in the curvilinear circuit of a series of field boundaries that also serve as townland boundaries. From SSE–S–WNW it survives as a bank of earth and stone (Wth 5.9m; H 1-2.1m) at the outer edge of the fosse at the base of the bailey. It is best preserved at SW. This bank may mark the re-use of the original enclosing element by the builders of the motte and bailey. The motte at Granard was probably the inauguration site for the Ó Fearghaill Bán from the 14th to the 16th centuries (LF010-080003-).
Recently described in the Atlas of Hillforts of Britain and Ireland as following; 'Possible contour fort positioned on the summit of prominent hill, overlooking Granard town and River Rhine. Summit of hill is occupied by a Medieval motte and bailey castle. The hillfort surrounds these later features and has a total site foot print of 1.8ha. Univallate for the entire circuit with a possible out-turned entrance to the NW. The later features on the hilltop are likely to have destroyed or masked features that may be contemporary with the hillfort. Rampart survives well at SW. The majority of the enclosing elements are incorporated into curvilinear field systems to the N, E and S. The interior is under pasture. Forestry abuts the enclosing elements to the N. First map depiction in first edition Ordnance Survey mapping. More detailed earthwork survey in second edition Ordnance Survey maps. The enclosing elements might relate to a Medieval motte and bailey castle and outworks, although the enclosed area is much bigger than an average monument of this type. Hillfort located in townland of Moatfield. The enclosing elements at the N and NE form the townland boundary between Moatfield and Granard. Rathcronan townland abuts the enclosing elements to the E. S and SE sections of enclosing features act as the townland boundary between Moatfield and Teemore. Medieval motte and bailey castle. This has largely disturbed the interior of the earlier hillfort. No visible surface features contemporary with the hillfort.' (http://hillforts.arch.ox.ac.uk/records/IR0688.html)

Compiled by: Patrick F. O'Donovan

Revised by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of revised upload: 6 February 2020

References

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

Lock, G. and Ralston, I. 2017 Atlas of Hillforts of Britain and Ireland.(Online website at https://hillforts.arch.ox.ac.uk)