Moated site, Ballymoon, Co. Carlow
In the countryside near Ballymoon in County Carlow stands the remains of a medieval moated site, a type of fortified homestead that once dotted the Irish landscape.
Moated site, Ballymoon, Co. Carlow
This particular example consists of a roughly rectangular raised platform measuring 28 metres north to south and 26.5 metres east to west, surrounded by what would have been an imposing defensive ditch. The dry fosse, as these ditches are known in archaeological terms, ranges from 10 to 11 metres wide and reaches depths of up to 1.9 metres in places.
The site retains some intriguing structural details that hint at its former defensive capabilities. Along the northwest inner angle of the fosse, portions of the original drystone facing remain visible, standing three to four courses high; a testament to the construction techniques employed by medieval builders. There are also possible traces of an external bank that would have provided an additional layer of defence, though centuries of weathering have made these features less distinct.
Sites like this one at Ballymoon were typically built between the 13th and 15th centuries, often serving as the fortified residences of Anglo-Norman settlers or prosperous Irish families. The moat would have been filled with water where possible, creating a formidable barrier against attackers whilst the raised platform provided both a defensive advantage and protection from flooding. Today, these earthworks offer a tangible connection to medieval Ireland, when such fortified homesteads were essential for survival in an often turbulent political landscape.