Though invisible at ground level today, this archaeological site appears clearly marked on the first edition Ordnance Survey map from 1840, offering a tantalising glimpse into the area’s medieval past.

The enclosure sits on poorly drained upland terrain, a characteristic that may have influenced its original purpose and eventual abandonment. What makes this site particularly intriguing is its proximity to a moated site to the southwest, catalogued as TN028-061 in the archaeological records. These moated sites, typically dating from the 13th to 14th centuries, were often associated with Anglo-Norman settlement patterns across Ireland; defensive earthworks surrounding manor houses or farmsteads of prosperous settlers.

The relationship between these two sites raises fascinating questions about medieval land use in this part of Tipperary. Were they contemporary structures, perhaps representing different elements of a single estate? Or do they mark successive phases of occupation, with one replacing the other as drainage issues, security concerns, or changing agricultural practices demanded? Without excavation, the pasture keeps its secrets, but the careful documentation by archaeologists Jean Farrelly and Caimin O’Brien ensures that future researchers will know exactly where to look when technology or opportunity allows for deeper investigation.