Castle - ringwork, Mullaghreelan, Co. Kildare

Co. Kildare |

Castle Features

Castle – ringwork, Mullaghreelan, Co. Kildare

High on a steep hill in County Kildare, with commanding views stretching in every direction, stands the impressive earthwork known as Mullaghreelan ringwork castle.

This circular fortification, officially recorded as National Monument No. 589, measures 40 metres across and features the classic defensive architecture of medieval Ireland: a substantial earthen bank encircling the site, with an external fosse (defensive ditch) that plunges seven metres from the outer face of the bank to its base. Faint traces of an additional outer bank and fosse suggest this was once an even more formidable structure.

The southwestern approach reveals the original entrance, complete with its causeway crossing the defensive ditch; a typical feature that allowed controlled access whilst maintaining the site's defensive capabilities. Local tradition holds that this hilltop stronghold served as a residence for the kings of Leinster, as noted in the Ordnance Survey Letters of 1838, linking the site to Ireland's rich royal heritage. This association with Leinster royalty speaks to the strategic importance of the location, which would have allowed its occupants to monitor and control the surrounding landscape.

Today, visitors to this ancient ringwork can still appreciate why this particular hilltop was chosen for such an important fortification. The steep slopes that made it so defensible in medieval times now offer spectacular panoramic views of the Kildare countryside, whilst the well-preserved earthworks provide a tangible connection to Ireland's tumultuous past, when such fortifications were essential for survival and maintaining power in a contested landscape.

Rated 0 out of 5

Visitor Notes

Review type for post source and places source type not found
Added by
Picture of Pete F
Pete F
IrishHistory.com is passionate about helping people discover and connect with the rich stories of their local communities.
Please use the form below to submit any photos you may have of Castle – ringwork, Mullaghreelan, Co. Kildare. We're happy to take any suggested edits you may have too. Please be advised it will take us some time to get to these submissions. Thank you.
Name
Email
Message
Upload images/documents
Maximum file size: 100 MB
If you'd like to add an image or a PDF please do it here.

Advertisement