Castle

Situated on a low rise in a fairly level landscape. The motte is a circular flat-topped mound of earth (diam. of top 13m N-S; diam. of base 27.5m N-S; H 3m) planted in coniferous trees. It is defined by a fosse (at N: Wth of top 7m; ext. D 1.5m) surviving against the bailey W-ENE and with a stone wall at the base elsewhere. There is a raised crescent-shaped bailey (dims of top 35m E-W; 16m N-S) planted in trees and defined by scarps (at N: H 2m) attached W-ENE. There is a subrectangular enclosure (int. dims c. 4.5m N-S; c. 5m E-W) defined by low earthen banks (Wth 1.5-4m; H 0.2-0.7m) with an entrance at W on the summit of the motte, but this is known to be a modern feature. There are old farm buildings outside the bailey at W and a house is adjacent the motte at E. Archaeological testing (03E1400) by B. Halpin immediately to the N produced no related material (excavations.ie 2003:1445). 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, 13 October 2025

Built by the de Lacy family in the late 12th century, Oldcastle was an important early Norman stronghold in Ireland, established to control local Gaelic territories and consolidate English influence in the region.