What is recorded here

Knockbarron is a partially destroyed motte and bailey castle on an esker ridge in County Offaly, Ireland. Its steep-sided mound rises 6.5 metres above the undulating countryside, with a destroyed rectangular bailey to the north and a river to the south. The south face was scarped sharper than the rest, perhaps to keep invaders off or simply to suit the shape of the ridge. Whatever the intent, the mound still stands while the bailey has vanished, leaving a flat-topped hill where a castle once lived.

Partially destroyed Motte and Bailey located on an esker ridge running N/S in undulating countryside with church (OF036-028----) and river to the S. Steep sided flat topped mound (base diam 32m; top diam 13.7m; H 6.5m) which appears to have been scarped from the esker ridge at S side only thus making it steeper at this side. The destroyed rectangular shaped bailey was located to the N of the motte which was enclosed by an earthen bank now destroyed. To see a 3D model of this motte and bailey castle, visit; https://skfb.ly/otuwN The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

This remains an important historical record, but the official description says the monument is no longer visible or has been destroyed. The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.