Moated site, Rigsdale, Co. Cork

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Castle Features

Moated site, Rigsdale, Co. Cork

On a gentle sloping hill in Rigsdale, County Cork, lies the remains of a medieval moated site that offers a fascinating glimpse into 13th-century Irish life.

Archaeological excavations carried out by Sweetman in 1981 revealed an area enclosed by an earthen bank and a moat approximately two metres deep. A penny of Edward I found beneath the southern bank dates the construction to around 1279-80, providing a precise timeline for when this fortified settlement was established.

The excavation uncovered the foundations of a rectangular stone structure, identified as Structure A, which served as the main building within the enclosure. Inside, archaeologists discovered trenches running parallel to the side walls; these likely held wooden beams that supported the building's framework. The interior also revealed numerous post-holes and eight informal hearths, suggesting this was a bustling domestic space where daily activities took place. Just outside the northeast corner, a second square stone structure, Structure B, was interpreted as either a refuse collection area or a garderobe, highlighting the practical considerations of medieval living.

The eastern side of the site features the remains of a stone gatehouse built against the inner face of the moat, with its outer wall showing a distinctive battered design for added defensive strength. Among the various finds were a second penny of Edward I, medieval and post-medieval pottery fragments, spindle whorls, a net weight, and pieces of iron; all artefacts that paint a picture of the domestic and economic activities that once took place here. Today the site lies overgrown, its earthworks and stone foundations quietly preserving the story of this 700-year-old settlement.

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