This impressive medieval earthwork rises from the natural gravel esker to heights between 8 and 11.5 metres, its flat summit measuring roughly 13 metres across. The motte’s strategic position wasn’t lost on its medieval occupants; the De Costentin family controlled this territory until 1215, though by 1226 the fortress had been taken and garrisoned by Aed Ua Conchobair, marking a shift in local power dynamics during a turbulent period in Irish history.

The structure itself tells a fascinating story of medieval defensive architecture. The main mound, with its 46-metre wide base, is encircled by a fosse, or defensive ditch, that varies considerably in depth and width around its perimeter. Most intriguingly, the western side features a well-preserved bailey; a rectangular enclosed courtyard measuring 45 by 24 metres, protected by substantial earthen banks that still stand up to 3 metres high externally. These defensive earthworks include multiple fosses and scarps, creating layers of protection that would have made any assault on the position extremely challenging. A central ridge running east to west through the bailey appears to be from later agricultural use rather than part of the original medieval design.

Now protected under a preservation order since 2007, Cloonburren Mote remains one of Ireland’s more intact examples of Anglo-Norman military architecture adapted to the Irish landscape. Archaeological testing conducted nearby in 2007 didn’t uncover related materials, suggesting the motte and bailey complex was relatively self-contained. Today, grass covers these ancient earthworks, softening the military edges of what was once a formidable stronghold controlling this portion of ancient Esker Riada.