Dating from the 13th or 14th century, this rectangular earthwork consists of a raised platform surrounded by a water-filled ditch, or moat, which would have provided both drainage and defence for the timber-framed buildings that once stood here. These sites were typically constructed by Anglo-Norman colonists or prosperous farming families who needed fortified homesteads during the turbulent medieval period.

What makes Ballytarsna particularly interesting is its excellent state of preservation; the moat still retains water in places, and the central platform remains clearly defined despite centuries of agricultural activity in the surrounding fields. Archaeological evidence suggests these moated sites served multiple purposes: they were symbols of status and authority, practical farmsteads with associated outbuildings, and defensive structures that could withstand raids from Irish clans or rival Norman families. The site would have included a hall house, agricultural buildings, and possibly a small chapel, all constructed from locally sourced oak timber with wattle and daub walls.

Today, Ballytarsna stands as a tangible reminder of how medieval communities adapted to life in Ireland, blending Norman architectural traditions with local building techniques and materials. While the timber structures have long since vanished, leaving only the earthworks behind, the site offers visitors a chance to imagine the bustling farmstead that once existed here, complete with livestock, crops, and the daily activities of a medieval household. Such moated sites are relatively rare survivors, making Ballytarsna an important piece of Kilkenny’s medieval heritage.