Castle

Located on a bluff overlooking a S-N section of the Blackwater River c. 50m to the W. This is a flat-topped and grass-covered earthen mound (diam. of top 9-10m; diam. of base 33-35m; H 5.5m at E to 9.5m at W) with some trees. There is a platform (Wth 21m E-W) defined by a scarp (at E: Wth 3m; H 1m) attached to the motte NE-SE, which may have been a bailey but which has been anciently quarried. The site of the parish church of Castlerickard (ME041-014001-) is c. 25m to the S, and field system (ME041-015----) extends to the E and N. 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: 2 June 2016 Amended: 9 August 2019

Built during the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 12th century, Castle, motte in Castlerickard was likely constructed by a local lord or Norman settler to control the strategic Blackwater River crossing. Its location highlights the importance of riverine defense and territorial control in medieval Ireland.