The earthwork consists of a circular, flat-topped mound standing 4 to 5 metres high, with a base diameter reaching 18.5 metres that narrows to 9.5 metres at its summit. Unlike many similar defensive structures from the period, this motte shows no evidence of a surrounding fosse or bailey, though records from the early 20th century suggest the intriguing possibility of a souterrain built within the mound itself.

Archaeological investigations have revealed that this site has a much longer history than the Norman motte alone might suggest. Test trenching conducted in 2004, just west of the mound, uncovered a complex sequence of occupation spanning potentially thousands of years. The excavations revealed ditches from prehistoric, medieval, and post-medieval periods; a well with associated cobbled surfaces and stone walling; drainage features; and even a post-hole containing fragments of prehistoric pottery. Medieval pottery sherds recovered from the topsoil, along with evidence of agricultural furrows, paint a picture of continuous use and reuse of this commanding position above the river valley.

The motte itself likely dates to the late 12th or early 13th century, when Anglo-Norman lords were establishing their control over the Irish countryside through a network of these artificial mounds topped with timber palisades or towers. Its location would have provided excellent views across the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal spot for both defence and administration. The absence of a bailey is somewhat unusual but not unknown in Irish mottes, possibly indicating this was a smaller, more localised stronghold rather than a major administrative centre.