Ardscull

Anglo-Norman Motte

The Motte at Ardscull is very impressive, although very difficult to photograph due to it's size and the fact that it is covered in trees. Standing at a height of over 18 metres the motte is surrounded by a ditch and bank and to the north side are traces of a bailey. At the top of the motte there are ramparts surrounding the mound. The motte was built in the 13th century, but the site was noted as the scene of a much earlier battle in the second century between the Leinstermen and the Munstermen. At the present time there is a picnic area immediately in front of the motte and the fosse is used as a trail.

Pictured below is the shallow fosse with the outer bank on the right hand-side. Ardscull means the Hill of Shouts.