There are so few caches in Longford and so many places of interest. I’m not from the area but pass by here for work every 2 weeks. Always admired this location.
Granard Motte is the remains of an example of a motte and bailey castle and is a national monument.
Granard motte earthworks were built c. 1199 by a Norman knight, Richard de Tuit. It appears that it was intended as a frontier castle on the NW border of the Anglo-Norman lordship of Meath. In 1210 King John stayed here during his campaign against Hugh de Lacy. The site later became known as Rath Granard.
In 1932 the statue of Saint Patrickwas erected on top of the motte to mark the 1500th anniversary of his mission to Ireland.
Many myths are attached to the hollow within the motte: some say there is a castle concealed within it, or gold.
May 2017 the motte came to nationwide attention when a large hole, about a metre in diameter, was found dug into the side of the mound. The damage required a survey by the National Monuments Service and repairs by the Office of Public Works.