This flat-topped motte rises six metres high, its scrub-covered summit measuring roughly seven by five metres, whilst the base spreads out to approximately 25 metres in diameter. The remnants of what was once a bailey can still be traced to the southeast, though it likely extended further west in its heyday. This Norman fortification, known as a motte and bailey castle, represents one of the earliest forms of castle construction used by the Anglo-Normans following their arrival in Ireland in the late 12th century.

The site holds particular significance in local folklore, as tradition identifies it with Ard Ladhran, supposedly the burial place of a legendary warrior. This connection between the physical monument and mythical narrative demonstrates how medieval fortifications often became woven into the cultural fabric of their localities, accumulating stories and significance beyond their original military purpose. A stone cross stands about 15 metres to the north of the motte, with the site of an old church located roughly 140 metres in the same direction, suggesting this area held religious as well as defensive importance during the medieval period.

Today, visitors can explore this evocative site where the practical needs of Norman conquest meet the rich storytelling traditions of Ireland. The motte’s prominent position above the shoreline would have provided excellent views for monitoring maritime approaches; a strategic advantage that explains why the Normans chose this location for their fortification. Though centuries have passed since soldiers last stood watch from its heights, the mound remains a tangible link to the complex history of Norman settlement in southeast Ireland.