Earthwork

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated in gently undulating pasture. Motte with possible bailey (WM031-012----) lie c. 150m to W. Depicted on the revised 1910 ed. OS 25-inch map as a substantial linear-shaped earthwork with a gap off-centre to NW. Monument described in 1973 as a long linear-shaped earthwork defined by a bank of earth and stone running NW-SE. The height of the bank diminishes at the N end where it curves in a semicircle to W. There is a fosse outside the bank at this end. Towards the W side the bank and fosse seem to merge with the townland boundary. The bank has been disturbed by quarrying at the S end and it is not possible to trace the return of a curve which would correspond with that at the N end. Nevertheless, it is possible that the original bank may have enclosed a large suboval-shaped area. There is a possible entrance about half way along the length of the linear bank. The area enclosed within the interior is fairly level and slopes upwards to the bank around the perimeter. A low knoll is situated in the S portion of the interior, which appears to be a natural feature. This earthwork may be associated with the nearby motte and bauley castle. Monument is visible today as a long curvilinear tree-planted earthwork on Digital Globe aerial photography.

Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien.

Date of upload: 12 November 2019