This roughly rectangular enclosure measures approximately 40 metres from northeast to southwest, defined by a shallow fosse that would have served as both a defensive feature and a status symbol. The fosse itself varies in depth; on the interior side it reaches about 1.3 metres deep whilst the external side measures just 0.5 metres, with an overall width of around 3 metres.

The site’s defensive perimeter runs from the southeast to the east-northeast, creating a partial enclosure that likely relied on natural features or now-lost structures to complete its circuit. Archaeological evidence suggests the original entrance was positioned at the east-northeast corner, a strategic placement that would have allowed residents to monitor approaching visitors whilst maintaining defensive advantages. Such moated sites were typically constructed between the 13th and 14th centuries, often serving as fortified farmsteads for Anglo-Norman settlers or prosperous Irish families.

Today, what remains of this medieval settlement provides valuable insight into the social and military landscape of medieval Laois. These earthwork enclosures, whilst modest compared to stone castles, represented significant investments in security and social standing. The site was formally documented in the Archaeological Inventory of County Laois in 1995, compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran, ensuring its preservation as part of Ireland’s rich archaeological heritage.