Rathvilly Moat facts for kids
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Ráth Bhile
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Knockroe-Rathvilly Motte
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 Location in Ireland
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| Location | Knockroe, Rathvilly, County Carlow, Ireland |
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| Coordinates | 52°52′50″N 6°40′41″W / 52.880518°N 6.678045°W |
| Type | Motte |
| Diameter | 29 metres (32 yd) |
| History | |
| Material | Earth |
| Periods | Early Christian Ireland |
| Designation | National Monument |
Rathvilly Moat is an ancient site in County Carlow, Ireland. It is a special type of old castle mound called a motte. Today, it is protected as a National Monument.
Where is Rathvilly Moat?
Rathvilly Moat is found in a place called Knockroe. This is about one kilometer (or half a mile) east of Rathvilly village. It sits to the east of the River Slaney.
What is the History of Rathvilly Moat?
The Rathvilly Moat was once the home of Crimthann mac Énnai. He was a powerful leader, a King of Leinster, from about 443 to 483 AD. He was even baptized by Saint Patrick himself!
The name "Rathvilly" tells us something interesting about the site. It means "ringfort of the sacred tree." In ancient times, a bile was a special, sacred tree. Each important family or group had their own bile. Destroying an enemy's bile was a serious act of war. It showed you had defeated them and taken their power.
