Round Hill, Lismore, Co. Waterford

Round Hill located in Lismore, County Waterford is spectacularly sited along the banks of the River Blackwater. The large defensive earthen castle that we see today was probably constructed by the Anglo Normans in the late 12th century, although given the site’s location and size, the motte and bailey may have been constructed on an earlier site.

The site is classified as a motte and bailey (an early form of castle consisting of a flat-topped, steep-sided, earthen mound supporting a wooden tower, with an associated courtyard or bailey). The Round Hill is of impressive scale and has the advantage of being a robust monument which is not only visually imposing in the landscape, but is integral to the story of the town of Lismore.

The Round Hill Motte was Adopted by Lismore Heritage Company and Lismore Tidy Towns

Lismore Heritage Company and Lismore Tidy Towns submitted a successful joint application with Gallowshill Community Group (in Dungarvan) to the Adopt a Monument Scheme. Lismore Heritage Company Ltd was established in order to help preserve and promote the cultural and heritage attractions of Lismore, west Waterford and its environs for home and overseas visitors. The group applied for the scheme as the site at Round Hill is currently overgrown by vegetation and almost inaccessible for visitors. The Adopt a Monument team helped to provide advice in helping to conserve the monument and to provide better access for visitors.

Funding was obtained to carry out a historical and topographical survey. The historical study provided a glimpse into the origins of the site that we see today. The topographical survey that was carried out in July 2016 helped to define this enormous and complex site and volunteers from the local community took part in carrying out the survey. Further survey work is required on the monument to fully understand the extent of it.

With funding from the Heritage Council and Adopt a Monument / Creative Ireland funding grant scheme in 2019, the group commissioned Dave Pollock to produce an interpretive panel on the site which includes a conjectural sketch and information on the site gleaned from various reports.

Lismore Heritage Town and the Round Hill Project committee are delighted to have been chosen for the Adopt a Monument scheme, the community will welcome the opportunity to look at this very important site in more detail and explore the possibilities for the future.”

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