The tower house sits dramatically on a cliff edge, with remnants of its protective bawn wall still visible along the precipice. This surviving section of wall stretches about 11 metres north to south and stands roughly 3 metres high, terminating in what remains of a circular corner tower approximately 35 metres southwest of the main structure. Aerial photography has revealed the ghostly outline of the bawn’s eastern and northern walls, suggesting the original enclosure covered an impressive area of around 80 by 80 metres, complete with another circular tower at the northeast corner.

Perhaps the most intriguing feature of Clonleagh is its cliff-side escape route; a narrow walled passageway just 0.8 metres wide that exits the bawn area about 18 metres from the tower house. This passage, flanked by walls rising to 1.5 metres, descends the cliff face before ending at a partially collapsed circular tower at the base. This lower defensive position retains its ground floor and portions of the first floor, with visible setbacks in the walls that once supported ceiling joists between levels.

The defensive capabilities of this cliff-base tower become clear upon closer inspection. Its ground floor walls feature five gun loops, whilst the first floor contains one, allowing defenders to cover approaches from below. The interior diameter of both this tower and its counterpart at the bawn corner measure 2.7 and 2.3 metres respectively, providing just enough space for defenders whilst maintaining structural strength. Together, these elements paint a picture of a well-planned defensive complex that made clever use of the natural landscape to protect its inhabitants.