Moated site, Coolasmuttane, Co. Cork
In the level pastures of Coolasmuttane, County Cork, lies the remains of a medieval moated site, its square earthworks still clearly visible despite centuries of weathering.
Moated site, Coolasmuttane, Co. Cork
The site measures approximately 30 metres on each side and is defined by a substantial earthen bank that rises to about 0.75 metres on the interior and 1.5 metres on the exterior. A fosse, or defensive ditch roughly one metre deep, runs around the outside of the bank, creating the characteristic moated appearance that gives these sites their name. The earthworks are most pronounced at the four corners, whilst a 3-metre-wide entrance gap can be found midway along the southeastern side, marking the original access point to the enclosure.
These moated sites are fascinating remnants of Anglo-Norman settlement patterns in medieval Ireland, typically dating from the 13th to 14th centuries. They were essentially fortified farmsteads; rectangular or square enclosures surrounded by water-filled ditches that served both defensive and drainage purposes. The raised platform inside would have supported timber-framed buildings, likely including a hall house, agricultural buildings, and perhaps a small chapel. The Coolasmuttane example follows this typical pattern, though its current state makes detailed investigation challenging.
Today, the site has been reclaimed by nature, with dense vegetation making the interior largely inaccessible. This overgrowth, whilst frustrating for archaeologists and visitors alike, has likely helped preserve the earthworks from erosion and agricultural damage. The site was catalogued by historian Barry in 1981 and later included in the Archaeological Inventory of County Cork, ensuring its significance is recognised and protected for future generations to study and appreciate.