Castle — motte in Anneville or Clonard Old

Situated on the flood-plain of the NW-SE Clonard River also known as the Kilwarden River, with the stream c. 30m to the SW. This is a flat-topped, steep-sided and grass-covered earthen mound (diam. of top 14m NE-SW; diam. of base 45m NE-SW; H 9.5-10.4m) with some trees including an elm on to the summit. It is defined by a fosse (Wth of base 2-3m; ext. D 1.2-2m) with an external bank (at NE: Wth of base 15m; int. H 2m; ext. H 1m) which broadens out into a crescent-shaped bailey (Wth 10m NE-SW; L c. 50m) SE-SW. The early church site of St Finian that became the medieval parish church (ME047-007001-) is c. 270m to the ESE, and the motte could be integrated with the field system (ME047-008----). The possible ringwork (ME047-005----) is across the river, c. 70m to the SW. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of revision: 3 June 2016 Amended: 24 March 2023