Built by the Butler family, who held considerable power throughout Kilkenny during this period, the castle served as both a defensive stronghold and a statement of wealth and status. The structure follows the typical design of Irish tower houses from this era, with thick limestone walls, narrow windows positioned for defence, and multiple floors connected by a spiral staircase tucked within the walls.

What makes Clonamery Castle particularly interesting is its relatively intact condition, allowing visitors to appreciate the clever defensive features that were standard in these buildings. The ground floor, originally used for storage, has no windows at all; a common security measure that prevented easy access for raiders. Upper floors contain the main living quarters, including a great hall with a large fireplace and what would have been private chambers for the family. Murder holes above the entrance and bartizans projecting from the corners provided defenders with clear sightlines to protect against attackers.

The castle remained occupied well into the 17th century before eventually falling into disuse, though local records suggest it may have briefly sheltered Confederate forces during the 1641 rebellion. Today, whilst privately owned and not officially open to the public, the tower can be viewed from the surrounding roads and stands as a remarkable survivor of Ireland’s turbulent past. Its presence in the quiet Kilkenny countryside offers a tangible connection to the complex social hierarchies and constant territorial disputes that shaped medieval Ireland.