This earthwork consisted of an almost circular, flat-topped mound measuring approximately 12 metres east to west and 11.5 metres north to south at its summit. The southern side rose to about 3.5 metres in height, whilst the northern side reached only 2 metres, likely due to the natural slope of the land. Though relatively low for a typical motte, its distinctive flat top and circular form strongly suggested its defensive origins.

The mound’s location near Stephenstown tower house, which still stands nearby, hints at centuries of continuous occupation at this strategic riverside site. Medieval lords often built mottes as early fortifications, later replacing or supplementing them with stone tower houses as building techniques and defensive needs evolved. The proximity of these two structures suggests that Stephenstown remained an important local stronghold from the Anglo-Norman period through to late medieval times.

Unfortunately, this piece of Ireland’s medieval landscape was lost sometime between 1966 and 1995, as confirmed by Ordnance Survey Ireland images from those periods. Before its removal, the northeast side had already suffered damage from tree removal, disturbing the original earthwork. Today, visitors to Stephenstown will find no trace of this once-imposing mound, though the nearby tower house continues to stand as testament to the area’s long history of fortification and settlement.