Johnswell Motte, Kilkenny

Johnswell

Norman Motte

After visiting the Holy Well which is dedicated to St John the Baptist. I ventured across the road to see the Norman Motte on the west side of the town. I could see from the farm gate the motte was badly overgrown. I walked around to the northside of the church, also dedicated to St John, but as you can see from the image below there is no access to the top of the mound from there either. I believe the motte was the site of St John's Eve bonfires a custom which is also associated with the pre-christian summer festivals. St John's day is traditionally the first day of summer.


Behind the church	Johnswell Norman Motte After visiting the Holy Well which is dedicated to St John the Baptist. I ventured across the road to see the Norman Motte on the west side of the town. I could see from the farm gate the motte was badly overgrown. I walked around to the northside of the church, also dedicated to St John, but as you can see from the image below there is no access to the top of the mound from there either. I believe the motte was the site of St John's Eve bonfires a custom which is also associated with the pre-christian summer festivals. St John's day is traditionally the first day of summer.
Situated: From Kilkenny head northeast on the Johnswell Road. After about 5k keep right at the farmhouse. and stay on this road for another 2k. The well is on the left and the motte is behind the church on your right. Discovery Map 61: S 5623 6161. Last visit May 2014. Longitude: 7° 10' 5" W Latitude: 52° 42' 10" N Google Map Photos: Jim Dempsey.