Aghaboe Moat

In 1172 Strongbow granted to Adam de Hereford the vill of Aghaboe and the entire half of the cantred of land in which it was situated. In a low lying area, N of Aghaboe Abbey (LA022-019001/002-). A slightly squared-off motte (summit diam. c. 35m; base diam. c. 42m), with a grass-covered stone wall around the edge of the summit, surrounded by a shallow fosse (Wth c. 8.6m, D c. 1m). Remains of a bailey (dims. c. 23.5m N-S), defind by a scarp, to N. (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 54-5; Orpen 1909, 333-5; Cunningham 1987, 159-61) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

Aghaboe Moat was built by Adam de Hereford in the late 12th century following his grant of the vill of Aghaboe by Richard de Clare, known as Strongbow. It is important as a medieval defensive structure associated with Anglo-Norman expansion in Ireland.