What is recorded here

Deerpark Castle stands at the south end of a sand ridge, watching the Douglas River and its fording point like a guard posted at a narrow gate. Its broad mound rises six to eight metres above the ground, ringed by berms and ditches that direct every approach toward one caused way. The shape suggests more than a hill; it suggests a place where people controlled movement, watched water, and kept others at a distance.

Situated at the S end of a sand ridge overlooking the Douglas River (100m to the E) and a fording point (150m to the SE). Circular mound (diam. 33.5m; H 6-8m) with a slightly domed summit (diam. c. 11m), encircled by a berm (Wth 5-7m) at the E, S and W. The N is defined by a fosse (Wth 4m; D 0.8m) which merges with the berm at the NW and NE. An external bank (Wth 2m; H 0.6m) and an outer fosse (Wth 3m; D 1m) cut the site off from the narrow level ridge to the N. A narrow causeway (Wth 5m) accentuated by quarrying to the S of the site, extends from the berm at the SE and is cut by a farm track 20m from the site. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 December 2008

Built in the 13th century, likely by a Norman lord or military commander during the Anglo-Norman expansion into Leinster. Its strategic position overlooking the Douglas River and a key fording point made it important for controlling local trade routes and military movements.

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