Castle - motte, Rathfeigh, Co. Meath
Standing atop a ridge in Rathfeigh, County Meath, this impressive circular mound rises from the landscape with a commanding presence.
Castle - motte, Rathfeigh, Co. Meath
The structure features a flat, grassy summit measuring 32 metres across, whilst its base spreads to 62 metres in diameter. The mound itself reaches between 4 and 5.5 metres in height, creating a substantial earthwork that has dominated this spot for centuries. Unlike many similar structures, there’s no evidence of a defensive ditch or formal entrance, though archaeologists suspect a bailey; an enclosed courtyard typical of Norman fortifications; may have once existed to the south and southwest.
The mound’s proximity to the medieval parish church of Rathfeigh, located just 100 metres to the southwest, suggests a long history of significance for this location. Whilst initially classified as a motte, a type of earthwork castle introduced by the Normans in the 12th century, the sheer scale of this particular mound has led some researchers to propose an intriguing alternative theory. Its considerable size raises the possibility that it might have prehistoric origins, perhaps serving an earlier ceremonial or defensive purpose before being adapted for medieval use.
This dual interpretation reflects the complex layering of Irish history, where successive cultures often built upon and reimagined existing monuments. Whether Norman or prehistoric in origin, the mound remains a striking feature of the Meath landscape, offering visitors a tangible connection to the area’s deep past. The lack of visible fortification features like a fosse (defensive ditch) makes it somewhat unusual amongst Irish mottes, adding another layer of mystery to this already enigmatic earthwork.





