Castle

Situated on an esker ridge that extends off to the NNW and SE. The motte is a circular, grass-covered and flat-topped mound (diam. of top 13m NW-SE; diam. of base 45m NW-SE; H 7.5m at SE to 8.7m at NW) with mature deciduous trees defined by a fosse that is most visible across the esker (Wth of top c. 15-20m; ext. D 1.5m at SE to 3m at NW) W-N and largely absent elsewhere, with a counterscarp bank (Wth c. 6m; ext. H 1m) SW-NW. There is a crescent-shaped, grass-covered bailey (dims 28m NE-SW; 14m NW-SE) defined by scarps (at SE: Wth 14m; H 3.8m) attached to the SE, with a raised platform at the SW edge. The church (ME008-012----) is c. 120m to the SE. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of revision: 7 June 2016 Amended: 15 December 2022

Built by a Norman lord during the 12th or 13th century, Castlecor motte and bailey was a strategic defensive and administrative site in the Anglo-Norman expansion into Ulster. It is remembered as one of the few surviving medieval earthworks in the region, illustrating early colonial settlement patterns.