Clough Castle, Anglo-Norman motte-and-bailey castle in County Down, Northern Ireland
Clough Castle is a ruined Norman fortress built on an artificial mound in County Down, featuring a stone tower and the remains of defensive walls. The elevated terrain is clearly visible from surrounding fields, and traces of the original bailey structure can still be seen around the base of the mound.
John de Courcy founded the site in the 12th century as part of Norman expansion into the region. After falling into disuse during the 14th century, it was reconstructed and occupied again before eventually being abandoned for good.
The stone remains on the mound tell the story of shifting power and settlement patterns in the region. Walking around the site, visitors can sense how communities adapted the fortress over time to meet changing needs.
The grounds are open year-round without admission fees or advance booking required. The terrain can be muddy depending on recent weather, so sturdy footwear is helpful for exploring safely around the mound.
Archaeological digs in the 1950s uncovered evidence of an original wooden palisade that once encircled the top of the mound. This discovery revealed what the earliest fortification looked like before stone construction took over.
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