Castlemore Moat

The following description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Carlow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007 National Monument No. 545. Large steep-sided, flat-topped mound (H 9m; summit diam. c. 20m) enclosed by large fosse (D at SW c. 5m; Wth 4m). Traces of approximately square bailey (dims. c. 32m x 32m; H at N c. 2m) outside fosse at NW. Granite pillar H c. 1.7m with double-ended Latin cross in relief found nearby, re-erected on summit of motte. Constructed in 1181, according to Giraldus Cambrensis. (Bradley 1989, 27)

Castlemore Moat is a 14th-century ringwork castle, likely built by the Fitzgerald family, who were prominent Hiberno-Norman lords in the area. It is remembered as an example of medieval defensive architecture in Leinster and reflects the strategic importance of the region during the late medieval period.