What appears at first glance to be an 18th-century mansion actually incorporates something far older; the northwest corner of the building contains the remains of a medieval tower house that once belonged to the influential Talbot family. From the 15th to the 17th century, this fortified residence served as a symbol of the Talbots’ power and status in the region, before being absorbed into the later Georgian structure that surrounds it today.

The original tower house rises three storeys high, its walls constructed from tightly coursed masonry with carefully dressed quoins marking the corners. Though the battlements that crown the structure might look medieval, they’re actually a romantic 18th-century addition, added when such Gothic Revival touches became fashionable amongst the landed gentry. The defensive nature of the original building is still evident in the narrow slit loops that pierce its walls; these thin windows once allowed defenders to watch for approaching threats whilst remaining protected from enemy arrows.

Unfortunately, the interior of this intriguing building isn’t currently accessible to visitors, leaving much of its internal layout and features to the imagination. Historical accounts from the late 19th century, particularly those by Ball and Handcock, provide tantalising glimpses of what might lie within, but for now, the tower house keeps its secrets. Its weathered stones stand as a silent witness to the changing fortunes of the Talbot family and the evolution of Irish architecture from medieval fortification to Georgian elegance.