Castle - motte

The National Monuments Service's description

In improved pasture, prominently sited on top of a ridge, with excellent views in all directions.
A substantially raised oval platform (49m NNE−SSW; 35m WNW−ESE) defined by a broadly sloping scarp (4.3m at W, 1.6-2m at E; Wth slope 5.8m at W, 6-9m at E), enhanced by the natural fall of ground at W−N. The platform has been greatly damaged by quarrying –most of the S third has been deeply dug away, and a portion of the scarp (L 10m) at NW has also been damaged.
Low stones protrude randomly along the top of the scarp at W. The scarp at SSW−WNW drops steeply to a berm or terrace (Wth 4.6m) defined on its outer edge by a scarp (H 2.3m) cut into the ridge slope. The terrace has slightly a raised lip on its outer edge at it N end. The terrace ends abruptly at its SSW and WNW terminals, where it appears to have been dug away.
The interior is level at W and N, but there is a gradual slope down from the centre to E towards the entrance, which consists of a markedly, slightly ramp-like slump in the scarp. Wall footings on a roughly E-W axis, visible as a low, narrow grassy rise (Wth 0.6-0.8m; H 0.2m), cross the interior to N of centre.
This may be a rath, but its bulk, size and prominent location, as well as the proximity of a church (MA071-069----) 30m to NNE, suggest that it is more likely to be some form of motte or ringwork. There is a possible tower house (MA071-071----) 300m to SE.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 6 August 2021