The mound lies in a bend of the River Lagan, commanding the valley, with extensive views. This is the best preserved and most impressive example in Ulster of an Anglo-Norman motte and bailey castle. The mound rises 12.2m high above its encircling ditch, blocking the landward approach from the north. To the south is the small, squarish bailey above the river. An outer bank and ditch provide further protection to east, north and north-west. Excavation on the motte in 1951 showed that the first summit defence was a timber palisade, followed by the low bank which is still visible.
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