Ball Moat

Situated overlooking the medieval church of Donard (WI021-005001-). Archbishop John Comyn of Dublin granted Donard to Jordan de Marisco before 1190 and this may be the site of a motte built by him (Price 1953, 189). Largely natural steep-sided mound (diam. c. 40m; H c. 4-8m) with a level, roughly circular summit (diam. 24m) defined by an earthen bank (Wth 1.7m; H 0.4-0.7m). There is an entrance (Wth 3m) and an access ramp at the NE, a possible fosse at the E (c. 4m below the summit), with a corresponding berm at the W. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 December 2008 This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 119/1940).

Jordan de Marisco likely built the motte at Ball Moat, Donard Lower before 1190, following his receipt of Donard from Archbishop John Comyn of Dublin. The site is important as it reflects early medieval land grants and military structures in the region.