14/07/2026
We had a customer walked up it today.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18ye3VerME/
Near Granard in County Longford stands one of the most complete Norman motte and bailey castles still visible anywhere in Ireland — and almost nobody outside the local area knows it exists.
Built in the late 12th century, the massive earthen mound once supported a wooden tower, part of the rapid strategy Norman lords used to lock down control over newly conquered land across the country.
Unlike stone castles that survived the centuries, the original timber tower here rotted away long ago, leaving only the dramatic earthwork mound behind as proof of what once stood there. The site still commands a sweeping view of the surrounding countryside — exactly the kind of strategic spot Norman lords looked for when building fast and defensible.
Despite its scale and history, it’s still mostly a local landmark. These days it’s climbed mostly by locals out for a walk, not visitors chasing Norman history.
Comment:
“Wild that something this significant is just a spot locals walk their dogs past every day.”
