Rathvilly, Motte, Co. Carlow.

Location – Just outside Rathvilly on a cross-roads next to a house. There is a place to park opposite.
OS: S 889 818 (map 61)
GPS: S 88984 81884 (Accuracy – 2m)
Longitude: 6° 39' 47.62" W
Latitude: 52° 52' 49.31" N

Description and History – This is a much altered motte and rather small in size in comparison to some of the larger mottes out there. A house has been built up next to it but it is still accessible to the public. It stands to a height of roughly 10m and has a base diameter of 23.7m and a summit diameter of 9.5m. It has a flat top but this has been lowered and the sides cut back in places. If there was a bailey, which I suspect there was, there are no longer any traces. Although it has been altered significantly it is now well looked after which is nice to see as motte and baileys are often an overgrown mess.

Difficulty – Easy to get to as it is on the roadside. Parking available and access provided.

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