Archaeological evidence suggests that Dermot MacMurrough, the King of Leinster whose actions would famously lead to the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland, may have had a ringwork castle on this very spot. His house, which historical records indicate was burnt in 1166, likely stood where the present castle now dominates the landscape. A ringwork castle, for those unfamiliar with the term, was an early form of fortification consisting of a circular or oval earthen bank and ditch, often topped with a wooden palisade; a practical defensive structure that predated the stone castles we typically associate with medieval Ireland.

What makes this site particularly fascinating for archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike is the physical evidence that still remains from this earlier fortification. Careful examination has revealed traces of an earthen rampart, which was probably faced with stone for added strength, still visible beneath the eastern and southern walls of the later castle. The southeast angle tower of the current structure actually sits atop this ancient earthwork, essentially preserving a piece of 12th-century military architecture within the foundations of its successor.

This layering of historical periods at Castleland offers a tangible connection to one of the most pivotal moments in Irish history. MacMurrough’s invitation to the Anglo-Normans to assist him in reclaiming his kingdom would fundamentally alter the course of Irish history, and this site may well have been one of his strongholds during those tumultuous years. The archaeological inventory, compiled by Michael Moore and updated as recently as 2012, continues to provide insights into how these medieval fortifications evolved from earth and timber constructions into the imposing stone castles that still dot the Irish countryside today.