The monument sits approximately 70 metres west of a small stream that flows northward through the valley, marking the historical boundary between the Barony of Connell to the east and the Barony of Offaly East to the west. This strategic positioning along a natural boundary would have made it an ideal location for asserting territorial control during the medieval period.

The main feature is an imposing circular earthen mound with steep sides and an uneven summit, rising 9 metres above the surrounding fosse that encircles its base. The top of the motte measures about 10 metres across, providing just enough space for what would have likely been a wooden tower or keep. An earthen causeway on the south-southeast side connects this mound to a roughly triangular bailey that stretches 80 metres in length and spans 40 metres at its widest point near the causeway. The bailey, which stands 5 metres high on its eastern side and 8.5 metres above the valley floor to the south and west, shows signs of quarrying in several places, suggesting the site may have served as a source of building materials after its military significance waned.

A low earthen bank remains visible along the eastern edge of the bailey, likely the remnant of defensive palisades that would have enclosed the lower courtyard. This type of fortification was typical of the early Anglo-Norman period in Ireland, representing the rapid castle-building campaign that followed the invasion of 1169. These earthwork castles could be constructed quickly using local labour and materials, allowing the Normans to establish and maintain control over newly conquered territories whilst more permanent stone fortifications were planned or built elsewhere.