The castle mound takes the form of a distinctive bowl-shaped earthwork, rising dramatically from its surroundings with steep sides that create an imposing defensive structure. At its base, a deep fosse, or defensive ditch, encircles the entire mound, following the contours of the high scarp that defines the site’s perimeter.

When archaeologists surveyed the site in November 1994, they found the entire structure heavily overgrown with gorse and brambles, making it impossible to take accurate measurements of either the mound or its surrounding ditch. Despite the vegetation, the essential features of this Norman fortification remain clearly visible; the steep-sided earthwork and its encircling fosse are classic characteristics of a motte castle, a type of fortification introduced to Ireland following the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 12th century.

These earthwork castles served as both military strongholds and administrative centres for the new Norman lords, allowing them to control and defend their newly acquired territories. The Aghclare motte’s strategic position near the river, combined with its commanding views across the valley, would have made it an ideal location for monitoring movement through this part of County Kilkenny whilst providing a defensible position against any potential threats.