Callan Motte, Kilkenny

Callan

Norman Motte

The huge motte and bailey castle built at the Medieval town of Callan was one of the largest in Leinster. It was probably built by Geoffry FitzRobert, seneschal to William Marshall, 1st Earl of Pembroke. Marshall founded the medieval town in 1207. The base of the motte is c.57m N-S and c.36m E-W. It stands in a field in Westcourt Demense townland to the north of the King's River. The steep-sided motte stands 9 metres high with a 56 metre long bailey on the east side. There is a good view of the motte from the bridge on the main street, but the best approach is probably from the N76 on the west side of the field.

Callan Norman Motte The huge motte and bailey castle built at the Medieval town of Callan was one of the largest in Leinster. It was probably built by Geoffry FitzRobert, seneschal to William Marshall, 1st Earl of Pembroke. Marshall founded the medieval town in 1207. The base of the motte is c.57m N-S and c.36m E-W. It stands in a field in Westcourt Demense townland to the north of the King's River. The steep-sided motte stands 9 metres high with a 56 metre long bailey on the east side. There is a good view of the motte from the bridge on the main street, but the best approach is probably from the N76 on the west side of the field.
Taken from the bridge over the King's River
Situated: On farmland at the west side of town, north of the King's River. Discovery Map 67: S 4123 4409. Last visit Oct 2019. Longitude: 7° 23' 31" W Latitude: 52° 32' 48" N Google Map Photos: Jim Dempsey.
Ref: Clutterbuck, R., Elliott, I. & Shanahan, B. `The motte and manor of Callan, Co. Kilkenny' Old Kilkenny Review 58, 7-28.