These earthwork enclosures, typically dating from the 13th to 14th centuries, were constructed by Anglo-Norman settlers and wealthy Gaelic families as fortified homesteads. The Culleen site features the characteristic rectangular platform surrounded by a water-filled ditch, or moat, which would have provided both defence and drainage for the timber or stone buildings that once stood within.

Archaeological evidence suggests that moated sites like Culleen served multiple purposes beyond mere protection. They functioned as administrative centres for agricultural estates, symbols of social status, and focal points for local commerce. The moat itself, whilst offering security against raids and cattle theft, also created a microclimate that helped regulate temperature and humidity for stored goods and livestock. Many of these sites were strategically positioned near rivers or springs to maintain water levels, with Culleen likely following this pattern given Clare’s abundant waterways.

Today, the Culleen moated site stands as one of approximately 750 such monuments identified across Ireland, though Clare has relatively few compared to counties in Leinster and east Munster. The earthworks remain visible as grassy banks and depressions in the landscape, offering visitors a chance to trace the footprint of this medieval settlement. These sites provide valuable insights into the complex social dynamics of medieval Ireland, where Gaelic and Norman cultures intermingled and adapted to create distinctive architectural forms that bridged both traditions.