Castle

Situated on a rise (359ft/109m OD), in pasture, with good views in all directions. Annotated ‘Rathmore Fort’ on the 1837 OS Fair Plan map. Monument described as a raised oval-shaped flat-topped mound (approx. overall dims. 30m N-S; 21m E-W) defined by a scarp. The steep scarp (H 1.5-2.5m) is encircled by a narrow platform or ledge at the base of the mound on all sides except the N, where it is steeper. The top of the mound (dims. at top 21m N-S; 13.3m E-W) is wide and flat with a gentle S-facing slope. No structural features are visible. Visible on Digital Globe aerial photography a substantial oval-shaped earthwork which appears to be on a natural terrace. Adjoining to E of motte (WM027-012----) are the remains of a crescent-shaped enclosure (dims. 32.5m N-S; 25.2m E-W) defined by a low earthen bank NW-N-E-S-SW. This could be the smaller rath referred to by Adams (1960) which was beside ‘the imposing rath known as Rathmore’. Visible on Digital Globe aerial photography as a faint trace of a crescent-shaped earthwork. An old road (WM027-012001-) located c. 15m to N. See attached profile of monument surveyed and drawn by the ASI. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 04 November 2019

Built by Anglo-Norman settlers in the late 12th or early 13th century, Castle, motte and bailey in Banagher is remembered as a strategic defensive site during the medieval colonization of Ireland. Its elevated position provided a commanding view of the surrounding area, making it a key location for controlling local movements and trade.