Though no visible remains survive today, historical records paint a picture of a modest defensive structure that once stood here, offering commanding views across the countryside from northeast through south to northwest. The site doesn’t appear on the 1840 Ordnance Survey maps, but documentary evidence places a “Chymnie house” here as far back as the mid-17th century.

The Civil Survey of 1654-56 provides intriguing details about the property when it was held by William Roche of Limerick, who had mortgaged it from Connor McDermodie McMahonye. The survey describes the holding as containing “one head fishinge Weare, one Chymnie house with some few tatched Cabbins and an Orchard”, suggesting a small rural estate rather than a grand castle. The term “Chymnie house” likely indicates this was a fortified house built in the 17th century style; a more comfortable residence than a medieval tower house, but still designed with defence in mind. The property paid chiefry taxes of four shillings and four white groats to the Earl of Kildare, marking its place in the complex web of land ownership and allegiance that characterised early modern Ireland.

Local historian Westropp, writing in the early 1900s, believed this was the site of Meelick Castle, referred to in 1583 documents as “Myellig Castle” and probably located at what was known as “Meelick Upper”. Today, modern farm sheds occupy the space where the fortified house once stood, visible in aerial photographs from recent years. While the physical structure has vanished, the site remains an evocative reminder of how Ireland’s turbulent history shaped even the most seemingly ordinary rural landscapes.