This Norman earthwork fortress, likely built in the 12th or 13th century, rises impressively from the landscape with particularly steep sides on its western, northern and eastern faces, reaching heights of over seven metres. The summit, about 15 metres in diameter, shows considerable disturbance from centuries of exposure to the elements and human activity.

Mottes like this one were typically constructed by the Anglo-Normans as they established control over conquered territories in Ireland. The builders would have piled earth and stones to create an artificial hill, often reusing material from defensive ditches dug around the base. A wooden palisade and tower would have originally crowned the summit, providing both a defensive stronghold and a visible symbol of Norman authority over the surrounding countryside.

Today, the structure is poorly preserved and heavily overgrown, making it difficult to discern many of its original features. The marshy ground and steep terrain that once made this an ideal defensive position now contribute to its continued deterioration. Despite its current state, the motte remains an important reminder of medieval military architecture in North Galway, representing a time when such fortifications dotted the Irish landscape as competing powers vied for territorial control.