Castle - motte, Gallstown, Co. Westmeath
The castle motte at Gallstown sits on level pasture land with commanding views across the Westmeath countryside.
Castle - motte, Gallstown, Co. Westmeath
This large, flat-topped earthen mound stands as a remnant of medieval fortification, though its history has been considerably altered by later landscaping. The mound itself is steep-sided and composed primarily of earth mixed with small stones, with its summit measuring approximately 8 metres north to south and 10 metres east to west.
The site’s relationship with the nearby Gallstown House, situated 160 metres to the northeast, adds an intriguing layer to its story. Historical maps from 1837 show the mound depicted as a circular grove of trees within the landscaped grounds of what was then called Castletown House. This suggests two possibilities: either the medieval motte was incorporated as a decorative feature during the post-1700 landscaping of the estate, or it was actually constructed as a folly during this period to enhance the demesne’s romantic character.
Today, the mound shows signs of wear from centuries of exposure and animal activity, with parts of its sides damaged enough to reveal the earthen core beneath. A worn livestock track circles the base, evidence of its more recent agricultural use. Unlike many medieval mottes, this example shows no traces of an associated fosse (defensive ditch) or bailey (enclosed courtyard), and the flat summit bears no visible remains of any structures that might once have crowned it. Whether genuine medieval fortification or Georgian garden feature, the mound remains an imposing presence in the landscape.