What is recorded here

Clonmore Moat rises nine metres above the Carlow field, a steep mound guarding a trapezoidal bailey wide enough for a dozen people to walk beside each other. The western gap leaves the castle exposed to sudden weather or sudden visitors, forcing whoever lived there to watch that direction without walls. There is no shelter from surprise at Clonmore, only muscle, alertness and the knowledge that the land itself has been shaped to keep a small community alive.

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 Steep-sided mound (H 9.8m; summit diam. 9m) surrounded by fosse (D 2.1m). Unattached trapezoidal bailey surrounded by earthen bank except at W (H 3m), with external fosse (D 3m; Wth 4m) at E. Bailey dims. 29m x 22m.

Clonmore Moat, Minvaud Upper is a 15th- to 16th-century ringwork associated with the MacMurrough Kavanagh family, who were prominent Gaelic lords in the Carlow area. It is remembered as an example of late medieval defensive architecture in Leinster and reflects the political fragmentation of the region during the Gaelic resurgence period.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.