Castle

Situated on a low ridge at the S side of the River Longfield and consisting of a large flat-topped mound (max. H 8.8m, diam. at base 28-36m, at summit 17.5m-20m), the remains of a wide fosse at NW only, and a bailey (H 1-3m, dims. 36m by 39m) at the ESE. The bailey was made by scarping around its perimeter but its exact outline is difficult to define. Wright (1758, bk I, pls XV, XVI) illustrates the motte and bailey with a wide fosse surrounding both features and an octagonal structure (LH010-004002-) on the summit of the mound. There is now no evidence for these features. (Wright 1758, bk I,10, pls XV, XVI; Orpen 1908, 266-9). The above description is derived from both the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1986) and the 'Archaeological Survey of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1991). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 July 2007

Built in the 12th century, likely by a Norman lord or military commander following the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland, Castle, motte and bailey in Killanny is important as a typical example of early medieval defensive architecture, reflecting the expansion and consolidation of Norman control in the region.