Holywood Motte

Map Reference: J402792 (3402, 3792)



King John visited Holywood in 1210 and the castle is mentioned in 1234. However there is no evidence that this small motte is associated with either of these dates. The motte has maximum height of 4.6m and is 11.3m across the summit. The mound has been mutilated by the construction of a spiral pathway. Its location and general appearance argues in favour of it being a motte but it is less than half the height of the mottes at Dundonald and Shandon Park.