This substantial motte takes the form of a grass-covered earthen mound with a roughly circular shape, though slightly elongated from north-northeast to south-southwest. The flat summit measures about 14 metres along its longest axis and 8 metres across, whilst the base spans an impressive 44 metres at its widest point. The height varies considerably; rising 7 metres on the northeastern side and reaching up to 12 metres on the southwestern approach, making it a formidable defensive position in its day.

The motte retains traces of its original defensive fosse, or ditch, particularly visible on the western to north-northwestern sides where it measures about 7 metres across at the top with an external depth of 1.3 metres. A causeway connects the main mound to a raised circular bailey to the northeast, which would have served as an enclosed courtyard for buildings and activities. This bailey area, measuring approximately 14 metres in diameter, is defined by scarps that range from 2.5 metres high on the western side to 4 metres on the northeast, creating a distinct elevated platform.

The strategic placement of this Anglo-Norman fortification becomes clear when considering its surroundings. Just 70 metres to the east-northeast stands the medieval parish church of Kilbeg, suggesting this was once the heart of a thriving medieval settlement. The motte’s position on the esker ridge would have provided commanding views across the surrounding landscape, whilst its varying heights and surviving defensive features speak to the careful engineering that went into these earthwork castles, likely constructed in the late 12th or early 13th century as the Normans consolidated their control over the Irish midlands.