Moated site, Ticroghan, Co. Meath

Moated site, Ticroghan, Co. Meath

The moated site at Ticroghan in County Meath presents a fascinating glimpse into medieval Ireland's defensive architecture.

Moated site, Ticroghan, Co. Meath

This rectangular, grass-covered platform measures 40 metres north to south and 33 metres east to west, surrounded by water-filled ditches that once served as formidable barriers. The moats vary considerably in their preservation; those on the eastern and southern sides have become heavily silted over the centuries, whilst the western and northern sections remain more substantial, with the western moat reaching depths of 2.4 metres and spanning 12.5 metres across at its widest point.

The site’s defensive features suggest careful medieval planning, with an outer bank surviving along the western perimeter that extends the protected area to roughly 71 by 70 metres. A subtle depression in the southern moat’s inner edge, measuring about 2 metres wide at its base, likely marks the original entrance to the enclosure. This would have been the controlled access point, possibly featuring a wooden bridge or causeway that could be removed or destroyed in times of threat.



Within the interior, several shallow, grass-covered quarries dot the landscape, ranging from 4 to 8 metres in diameter. These old excavations, now barely half a metre deep at most, were probably dug to extract material for construction or maintenance of the site’s earthworks. Such moated sites were typically built by Anglo-Norman settlers or Gaelicised lords during the 13th and 14th centuries, serving as fortified farmsteads or minor manor houses that combined residential, agricultural, and defensive functions in Ireland’s often turbulent medieval landscape.

0.0/5

Good to Know

Tags

Visitor Notes

Review type for post source and places source type not found
Added by
Picture of IrishHistory.com
IrishHistory.com
IrishHistory.com is passionate about helping people discover and connect with the rich stories of their local communities.
Please use the form below to submit any photos you may have of Moated site, Ticroghan, Co. Meath. We're happy to take any suggested edits you may have too. Please be advised it will take us some time to get to these submissions. Thank you.
Name
Email
Message
Upload images/documents
Maximum file size: 50 MB
If you'd like to add an image or a PDF please do it here.

Ticroghan, Co. Meath
53.43886029, -7.06251594
53.43886029,-7.06251594
Ticroghan 
Castle Features 

Related Places