Built around 1199 by Norman knight Richard de Tuite on top of an earlier ringfort, Granard Motte is, at 163 metres, the highest motte in Ireland and features an unusual double bailey reflecting its importance as a frontier fortress against the O'Reilly clan. King John is recorded as having stayed here in 1210.
Visiting Granard Motte
Yes, freely accessible earthwork, Heritage Ireland site
"Built around 1199 by Norman knight Richard de Tuite on top of an earlier ringfort, Granard Motte is, at 163 metres, the highest motte in Ireland and features an unusual double bailey reflecting its importance as a frontier fortress against the O'Reilly clan."
Where to stay nearby
The closest castle hotel is Cabra Castle, 47.51 km away in Kingscourt — Built in 1795 on the site of an earlier round-tower castle (Cormey Castle), constructed in a mix of neo-Norman and Gothick styles.
