Castle

Situated on level ground with a gentle downhill slope overlooking the Douglas River to the W. Circular steep-sided mound (diam. 37m; max. H 3-3.5m) encircled by a wet flat-bottomed fosse (Wth 6m; max. D 1.6m) with a possible causeway (Wth 4m) at the SW. The inner face of the fosse is revetted with small boulders surviving in part to three courses. The interior of the motte has been removed by quarrying to a depth of 3.4m below the surviving rim. There is a berm (Wth 6-7m; H 0.8m) outside the fosse from S-W with an earthen bank (Wth 1.4-2m; int. H 0.5m; ext. H 1.3m) along the outer edge. The berm has been removed at the N. 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 late 11th or early 12th century, likely by a Norman lord to control the surrounding area and the strategic Douglas River crossing. The site is important as a typical example of a motte-and-bailey castle in the region, reflecting early medieval military and administrative practices.