St Mullins

Motte and Bailey

This Motte is located directly beside the main entrance to St Mullins monastic site. Although strategically placed overlooking the Barrow river, it is certainly one of the most beautiful locations I have seen for an Anglo-Norman Motte. The mound was built around the later part of the 12th century when Richard De Clare (Strongbow) granted permission. The fosse is surprising quite deep, it appears to have a low bank as you approach it. This was where the castle's Garrison and Household were located. Unfortunately the bailey has been damaged by quarrying.

The remains of an extremely long bailey can be seen running north west from the Motte. The image below was taken from the top of the motte looking towards the bailey, in the foreground you can see the deep fosse and outer bank and the slightly raised bailey.

The fosse