Scheduled MonumentsNorthern IrelandCarrickfergusDuncrue fort. motte with 2 baileys
MEDIEVAL · MOTTE & BAILEYS

Duncrue fort. motte with 2 baileys

Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 3317
Period
MEDIEVAL
Site type
MOTTE & BAILEYS
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR)

Overview

History & significance

Duncrue fort is a medieval motte and bailey castle located in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The fortification consists of a prominent motte accompanied by two baileys, a layout that represents a significant variation from the more common single-bailey arrangement and reflects the defensive and administrative requirements of this important Anglo-Norman settlement. The site dates to the medieval period, establishing itself as part of the broader pattern of Norman military architecture introduced to Ulster following the late twelfth-century conquest. Duncrue fort's dual-bailey configuration demonstrates the strategic importance of Carrickfergus as a principal stronghold in the Anglo-Norman invasion and colonisation of Ireland.

Duncrue fort. motte with 2 baileys is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 3317. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Duncrue fort. motte with 2 baileys?

Duncrue fort is a medieval motte and bailey castle located in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 3317.

What period does Duncrue fort. motte with 2 baileys date from?

Duncrue fort. motte with 2 baileys dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a motte & baileys. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Duncrue fort. motte with 2 baileys?

Duncrue fort. motte with 2 baileys is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Ni. The official designation reference is 3317.

What other scheduled monuments are near Duncrue fort. motte with 2 baileys?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including The mount. raised rath (2.6 km), Ring barrow (3 km), Ring barrow (3.2 km).

Aubrey Research

Generate a full report for this location

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in the UK — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.

Research the area around Duncrue fort. motte with 2 baileys