The site is believed to derive its name from the
Meic Torcaill, a leading
Norse-Gaelic family in 12th-century Dublin. The same name is found in that of the
townland of Curtlestown (), located west of
Powerscourt. The site later came under Norman control.
Ringworks like that at Rath Turtle were built during the earliest phase of the
Norman conquest of Ireland. They usually had a wooden gate tower, with a stone-lined causewayed entrance and stone-lined banks topped by a wooden
palisade. The site has been recognised by the
OPW as one of "great historical importance" following an archaeological study of the area. ==Description==