Local fire service respond to blaze in County Kilkenny
The fire in the County Kilkenny town was reported on Wednesday evening
There is widespread public concern in one Kilkenny town after members of the local fire service responded to a fire at The Moat in Callan on Wednesday evening.
As reported by Visit Callan, the fire was brought under control following extensive work by the fire units.
It’s unclear what started the fire and many residents are anxious the historical gem can be maintained.
“The trees on The Moat have been part of Callan for as long as I can remember. Let’s hope they remain safe tonight,” a post to the Visit Callan Facebook Page read.
Callan Motte, known locally as the “Moat”, was built by the Norman invaders in about 1217. It was a wooden castle situated on top of an artificially created mound of earth. It had a wooden palisade and tower. Historical documents refer to it having wooden chambers, a state of the art kitchen (for those days) and a hall covered with wooden shingles.
The Castle on the Hill was occupied by the powerful lords of the manor, their families, slaves, and knights at arms. It retained its lofty status until it was abandoned as a lordly residence in the 14th century.
Today, the historic site and its surrounds has become a popular walkway with locals hoping its natural beauty can be maintained for many years to come.