Moated site in Ballydonnell

In tillage field atop high ground with good views in all directions in upland region, nearby church (TS055-067001-) and graveyard (TS055-067002-) 100m to the N. Slightly raised square-shaped area (approx dims. 32m N-S; 30m E-W) enclosed by a well-preserved earth and stone bank (top Wth 2m; base Wth 4m; int. H 1m; ext. H 1.5m), no outer fosse or entrance feature visible. Road intersects external face of bank at N on an E-W axis. Interior covered in bushes and thorn bushes making detailed examination impossible. Field ploughed right up to base of enclosing bank, no visible remains of an outer fosse. Not a classic moated site and it is unusual to get a classic moated site beside a medieval church, would appear to be the defended residence of the medieval lord with his associated church unlike the low-lying defended farmsteads of the lords tenants. In the OS letters the monument is described as a 'square earthen fort whose sides are 26 paces in length. Its parapet is 8 feet [2.4m] high over the level of the field and 4 feet [1.2m] over the area of the fort itself' (O'Flanagan 1930, vol. 1, 152). Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 26 August 2011