The four-storey structure, measuring 15.5 metres east to west and 9 metres north to south, was built by the Sliocht Inghine Ui Chruimin sept of the MacCarthy Riabhach clan, likely in the late 16th century. Despite being overlooked by higher ground to the south, the castle would have been an imposing sight for anyone approaching the river crossing.

The tower’s eastern wall contains the main entrance, featuring a segmental-arched doorway that leads into what was once a vaulted lobby. From here, visitors would have entered the main ground floor chamber to the west, whilst a spiral stone staircase tucked into the northeast corner provided access to the upper levels. This staircase runs the full height of the tower, connecting all the main chambers except for a curious fifth-floor room above the lobby, which could only be reached through the fourth-floor chamber. The castle’s defensive capabilities are evident in its design; gun loops flank some of the windows, suggesting the builders were preparing for the new reality of gunpowder warfare that characterised late medieval Ireland.

The interior chambers were surprisingly well-appointed for a defensive structure, with large windows set in square embrasures topped by segmental vaulted heads. These windows came in various styles; ogee-headed, square-headed, double and triple lights; providing ample natural light to the living spaces within. Substantial fireplaces warmed the main chambers, with examples in the north wall at ground and first floor levels, and another in the south wall on the third floor. A chimney stack rising from the north wall still projects above the surviving walls today. Interestingly, the main chambers lack stone vaulting, a feature that, combined with the presence of gun loops, helps archaeologists date the castle to the late 1500s rather than earlier in the medieval period.