Moated site, Clogheen, Co. Cork
In a pasture about 100 metres west of Abbey stream in Clogheen, County Cork, lies the remains of a medieval moated site.
Moated site, Clogheen, Co. Cork
This square enclosure measures roughly 40 metres east to west and 39 metres north to south, protected by a double line of earthen banks with a defensive ditch running between them. The inner bank, which would have stood at least 1.4 metres high, has been worn down along the southern half of the eastern side and across the entire southern edge. The outer defensive bank, originally rising to 2.1 metres, shows similar deterioration along the western portion of its southern side, though traces of stone facing can still be spotted on the outer face of this second bank towards the north-northeast corner.
Today, the interior of this fortified enclosure appears relatively level, though the southern portion has become waterlogged and marshy over the centuries. A drainage channel now cuts east to west across the southern half of the interior, likely a later addition to manage the water accumulation. The entire site has been reclaimed by nature; thick bushes and tangled briars have overtaken the earthworks, making it difficult to fully appreciate the defensive architecture that once protected this medieval settlement.
This type of moated site was typically built between the 13th and 14th centuries, often serving as fortified farmsteads for Anglo-Norman settlers or prosperous Irish families. The double bank and ditch system would have provided substantial defence against raiders, whilst the square layout suggests English influence in its design. Despite its overgrown state, the site remains an important piece of Cork’s medieval landscape, offering glimpses into how communities protected themselves during a turbulent period of Irish history.