Knockroe Motte, Rathvilly, Carlow

Knockroe

Norman Motte

It may be hard to believe, but it is quite easy to drive through the crossroad without seeing this 5 metre high norman motte. It is hidden from view by a bungalow and some outhouses. The diameter of the motte is 24 metres at the base but the sides have been cut back at the north, east and southeast by about a metre, see image below left. The top of this steep-sided motte has also been lowered slightly. There are no visible signs of a bailey. Access is through a cute entrance on the eastern side of the motte.

Knockroe Norman Motte It may be hard to believe, but it is quite easy to drive through the crossroad without seeing this 5 metre high norman motte. It is hidden from view by a bungalow and some outhouses. The diameter of the motte is 24 metres at the base but the sides have been cut back at the north, east and southeast by about a metre, see image below left. The top of this steep-sided motte has also been lowered slightly. There are no visible signs of a bailey. Access is through a cute entrance on the eastern side of the motte.


Situated: From Rathvilly take the Hacketstown Road heading east. The motte is 1.2 kilometres down here on your right at the next crossroads. Discovery Map 61: S 8898 8188. Last visit June 2013. Longitude: 6° 40' 41" W Latitude: 52° 52' 50" N Google Map Photos: Jim Dempsey.