Dún Dealgan Motte, Medieval motte-and-bailey castle in Dundalk, Ireland
Dún Dealgan Motte is a medieval motte-and-bailey castle built on a raised mound overlooking the Castletown River in Dundalk. The earthwork features the distinctive design of a fortified mound where wooden and stone structures once stood to defend the surrounding lands.
The castle was founded in the late 12th century by Bertram III de Verdun and served as a stronghold under Hugh de Lacy. It was abandoned around 1210 when King John's forces took control of the region.
The site holds local significance as the reputed birthplace of Cu Chulainn, the legendary Irish warrior honored in Celtic mythology. A standing stone near the mound marks where people believe this figure was buried.
The climb to reach the castle site takes about 5 to 10 minutes on foot using stone steps and climbing over a stone fence. The ground is open terrain, so visitors should be prepared for walking uphill on uneven surfaces.
Beneath the mound runs a Z-shaped souterrain tunnel roughly 17 meters long, built during the Gaelic period long before the medieval castle. This hidden underground passage reveals layers of occupation and defense strategies across different eras.
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