Moat

Situated in a low-lying river valley with the Clodiagh River running N-S c. 100m to the W. Described in the fourteenth century as consisting of a 'stone tower roofed with shingles' (Cal. inq. post mortem, vol. 8, no. 184). The manor of Moyaliff which was controlled by James le Botiller, Earl of Ormond, was described in 1338 as consisting of 'no edifices except a stone tower covered with shingles. Of no value because nobody wishes to hold it.' (CIPM, vol. 3, no. 347). A high, steep-sided flat-topped motte (H 8m) the top of which is enclosed by a roughly coursed limestone castle (TN046-006002-). No bailey area visible. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

Built in the 14th century, Moat, Moyaliff was held by an unidentified local landholding family and is remembered for its simple but distinctive stone tower, described in contemporary inquisitions, reflecting early medieval defensive architecture in rural Ireland.