Castle

At the N end of a N-S ridge in wet marshy terrain with good views in all directions. In 1295 the castle of ‘Newtown’ was ‘razed by Sefraid O Fergail [O'Ferrall]' (Ann. Conn., 195). This roughly oval, flat-topped platform (c. 47m NNW-SSE; c. 16m ENE-WSW) may mark its location. It is defined by a scarp (H 2 4.5m) with a wide fosse (Wth 4m; D 1m) to the S which peters out to the E and W. No trace of the fosse is visible from W-N-E. No entrance feature is evident. On the 1837 ed. of the OS 6-inch map it is depicted as a large grove of trees. On the 1911 edition it is shown as a roughly subrectangular raised area with several trees on top of it, leading to some doubt about its antiquity. It may be a landscape feature associated with Newtownbond House, c. 650m to the SE. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 28 March 2012

The motte at Newtownbond was razed in 1295 by Sefraid O Fergail (O'Ferrall), indicating its strategic importance in the region during the late 13th century. It is remembered for its location on a prominent ridge and its mention in contemporary annals, reflecting the turbulent Anglo-Norman and Gaelic conflicts of the period.