Ballymoty Motte facts for kids
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Móta Bhaile an Mhóta
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 Location in Ireland
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| Location | Ballymoty More, Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland |
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| Region | Slaney Valley |
| Coordinates | 52°30′20″N 6°27′41″W / 52.505617°N 6.461506°W |
| Altitude | 89 m (292 ft) |
| Type | motte |
| Area | 0.188 ha (0.46 acres) |
| Diameter | 54 m (177 ft) |
| History | |
| Material | earth |
| Founded | late 12th century |
| Cultures | Hiberno-Norman |
| Site notes | |
| Ownership | private |
| Official name | Ballymoty |
| Reference no. | 375 |
Ballymoty Motte is an old castle mound located in County Wexford, Ireland. It is a special type of early castle called a "motte." This historical site is also recognized as a National Monument, meaning it's an important protected place in Ireland.
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What is a Motte?
A motte is a large, artificial mound of earth. It was usually topped with a wooden or stone tower. These mounds were part of early castles known as motte-and-bailey castles. The "bailey" was a fenced-in area next to the mound. This area held buildings like stables and homes. Motte-and-bailey castles were quick to build. They were very common in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Where is Ballymoty Motte?
Ballymoty Motte is found in a place called Ballymoty More. This is near the town of Enniscorthy in County Wexford. It is about 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) south-southeast of Monageer. The site is also just south of the Ballyedmond River. It sits in the beautiful Slaney Valley region.
History of Ballymoty Motte
This motte was built in the late 12th century. This was soon after the Norman invasion of Ireland. The Normans were people from Normandy, France. They invaded Ireland starting in 1169. They built many castles, including mottes, to control the land. These castles helped them establish their power. Ballymoty Motte is an example of a castle built by the Hiberno-Normans. These were Normans who settled in Ireland.
What Does Ballymoty Motte Look Like?
Ballymoty Motte is round in shape. It is made of earth. The mound has a diameter of about 54 meters (177 feet). It covers an area of about 0.188 hectares (0.46 acres). During a study of the area, a possible post from a causeway was found. This post was located to the southeast of the motte. A causeway is a raised path or road. It would have led up to the castle.
