Motte & Bailey fort

This is the earliest man-made structure around the town. It dates back to pre-christian times. It was the residence of local chieftains or leaders of large wealthy farmers. Hill tops were used because they afforded security from enemies or wild animals - also, the lowlands were subject to flooding. When the normans invaded ireland in 1169, they built a castle on the fort. This was a Motte & Bailey castle. The Irish chieftains attacked the castle and burned it down.