This square moated site, measuring 64 metres north to south and 44 metres east to west, is defined by a prominent scarp standing 1.2 metres high, surrounded by a waterlogged outer fosse that’s 4 metres wide and 0.3 metres deep. What makes this site particularly intriguing is the possible fish pond tucked into its northern corner, a feature that appears on the 1840 Ordnance Survey six-inch map alongside the moated site’s unusual internal divisions.

The site’s most fascinating aspect is its clever water management system. While the main interior of the moated site remains relatively dry, the smaller internal enclosure tells a different story altogether. This inner area, with its distinctive arrangement of banks and fosses, appears deliberately designed to retain water rather than drain it away. Local knowledge passed down through generations confirms that several natural springs feed this enclosure, maintaining a consistently wet environment throughout the year; perfect conditions for medieval fish farming.

This type of moated site likely served multiple purposes in medieval Ireland, combining defensive features with practical food production. The presence of a possible fish pond suggests this wasn’t merely a fortified homestead but a self-sufficient settlement where fresh fish could be cultivated year-round, providing a reliable protein source for its inhabitants. The careful engineering required to maintain different water levels within the same complex demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of hydrology that would have been essential for successful medieval estate management.