Castle — motte in Russagh

Situated on low-lying poorly drained pasture-land which rises gently from the site to the E, S and W, with extensive views to the W, N and E. Mill (WM006-073----) 560m to NNE, possible moated site (WM006-019----) 670m to E, church (WM006-062----) and graveyard (WM006-062001-) 70m to SE. Impressive motte consisting of a steep sided flat topped mound (top diam. 22m N-S; base diam. 35m N-S), the base of which is enclosed by a shallow fosse which is waterlogged on N side. The SE face of the mound has some damage where the top sod has been removed revealing the remains of some large stones the surface of which has lime mortar adhering to it. These stones possibly represent the remains of a mortared wall facing acting as a revetment for the earthen mound. The dating of this revetment or wall facing is uncertain. Possible curving ditch of D-shaped bailey to E of motte with second possible bailey area to NE. The land to the NE of the motte is slightly elevated dry land in a field which is wet and marshy elsewhere. Evidence of post-medieval cultivation ridges running NE-SW across surface of D-shaped bailey. Several linear water-filled ditches radiate out from the foot of the motte at NE and SE as visible on aerial photographs taken in 1966 (CUCAP APG087-088). Digital globe aerial photograph taken November 2011 indicates enclosing fosse around base of mound visible from E-S. Drainage ditches and cultivation ridges clearly visible on digital globe aerial photograph to SE of motte. A post 1700 field fence intersects the motte at SW. No trace of a bailey. On the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map an old laneway skirts past the base of the mound on the N side running NE towards the corn mill. To see a 3D model of this earthwork, visit; https://skfb.ly/oxBGZ Compiled by: Frank Coyne & Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 26 January 2017