The earthwork measures 30.5 metres across at its base and narrows to 9 metres at the top, rising between 5 and 6.6 metres in height depending on which side you’re measuring from. What makes this defensive structure particularly interesting is the surrounding fosse, or defensive ditch, which varies considerably in its preservation around the mound. At the northwest side, the ditch remains impressively intact with a top width of 9 metres, narrowing to 5.5 metres at its base and reaching an external depth of 1.6 metres. The southeast portion shows much slighter remains at only 0.4 metres deep, whilst the southwest side shows no evidence of a ditch at all.

Archaeological evidence suggests this wasn’t a standalone defensive position. About 40 metres southeast of the motte, a low scarp measuring 2 metres wide and just 0.2 metres high hints at what was likely a subrectangular bailey; an enclosed courtyard that would have provided additional defensive space and served as the centre for daily activities in the medieval period. This combination of motte and bailey represents a classic Norman fortification style that spread across Ireland following the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 12th century.

The site forms part of County Meath’s rich medieval landscape, documented in the Archaeological Inventory of County Meath published in 1987, though research continues to refine our understanding of these earthworks. These motte and bailey castles served as both military strongholds and administrative centres, allowing Norman lords to control and manage their newly acquired territories whilst providing a defensible position in times of conflict.