Known as Patrick’s Motte or the Granard Motte, this man-made hill was built in 1199 and overlooks the modern town. It is surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped earthen wall called a bailey (that’s where places like Ballybunion get their name) and served as an early fort. At 534 feet above sea level, it claims to be the highest in Ireland and from the top, one can see nine counties.
Legend has it that there is a castle or golden treasures concealed under the motte, but the site has not yet been excavated. The St Patrick statue is a more recent addition dating to the 1930s.
The walk over the bailey to the top of motte is not difficult… just watch out for any livestock in the area. The town also has the distinction of being the hometown of Kitty Kiernan, girlfriend of Michael Collins (Irish revolutionary leader).
- Longford Tourism: Granard Motte and Bailey
- Look Around Ireland: 360° Panorama of Granard Motte
St Patrick Statue Atop the Granard Motte – Photo by Corey Taratuta 
St Patrick Statue Atop the Granard Motte – Photo by Corey Taratuta
Written by Corey Taratuta
Corey hosts the Irish Fireside podcast and blog which has been named Best Blog of the Diaspora by the Irish Web Awards. His work has appeared on Google Field Trip, www.Lonely Planet.com, National Public Radio, www.WanderingEducators.com, www.BritMums.com, www.DiscoveryWorld.org, and elsewhere. His web community has been named finalist for the People’s Choice Podcast Awards and Irish Blog Awards, and his Irish travel program has ranked in the iTunes Top 50 Travel Podcasts. Corey’s Tips | Website
- The Remnants of the “Seven Castles” of Clonmines: Co Wexford - March 22, 2020
- An Incredible Walk with a Hawk, Co. Clare - March 20, 2020
- Reading the Stories of the Durrow High Cross: Co. Offaly - March 20, 2020
