Castle — motte in Athasselabbey North

In pasture overlooking the River Suir which flows roughly N-S c. 40m to the SE. The monument is truncated by a tertiary road (long axis N-S) across the E sector. Oval area (dims. c. 45m NNE-SSW; c. 32.5m E-W including road) defined by a sheer scarp (Wth 8.65m; H 5.3m) S-NNE which is disturbed by badger activity at WSW. Gentle downslope on interior from top of scarp indicating remains of a levelled bank (int. Wth 3.25m; int. H 0.4m). Wide, U-shaped fosse (overall Wth 12.65m; basal Wth 2m; D 1.1m) S-NNE is overgrown in places around N and S arcs. Remains of collapsed stone wall (long-axis E-W) traverse fosse at NW. Outer bank (Wth 5.15m; int. H 1.1m; ext. H 0.35m) S-NNE is best preserved (Wth 8.75m; int. H 2.3m; ext. H 1.5m) S-SW and is incorporated into field boundary at NW. E-arc of monument (on E-side of road) is defined by outer edge of steep uneven scarp (Wth 9.25m; H 5.1m) NNE-SE and level berm (Wth 3.25m) E-SE. A steep natural scarp falls to River Suir beyond this point to ESE. Interior is covered by dense briars and nettles covering the western two-thirds, a tertiary road (Wth c. 3.5m) truncates the E-sector and the narrow remains of this sector are covered in dense undergrowth and trees. This monument is similar to another motte (TS068-016-----) overlooking the River Suir c. 1.2km to the S. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 14 July 2014