This impressive earthwork consists of a circular, flat-topped mound measuring 18 metres in diameter and rising 2.3 metres high. The mound served as the foundation for a medieval castle, remnants of which can still be seen crowning its summit.

The site represents a classic example of Norman military architecture in Ireland, where motte-and-bailey castles were commonly erected during the 12th and 13th centuries. These fortifications typically featured a raised earthen mound topped with a wooden or stone keep, providing both defensive advantages and a symbol of Norman authority over the conquered territories. The strategic positioning of Ballycahill's motte, taking full advantage of the natural high ground, would have allowed its garrison to monitor and control movement through this part of Tipperary.

Today, visitors to the site can explore this significant piece of Ireland's medieval heritage, where the substantial earthwork remains as a testament to the Norman conquest and settlement of the region. The motte's survival through the centuries offers a tangible connection to the complex history of power, conflict, and cultural change that shaped medieval Ireland.