This impressive tower house, protected under a preservation order since 1971, represents centuries of defensive architecture and aristocratic living in the Irish countryside. The structure comprises both the main tower house and an adjacent banqueting hall, a combination that speaks to both the defensive necessities and social aspirations of its builders.

The tower house itself presents different characters from each angle; its southeast face shows the main entrance and defensive features, whilst the northwest aspect reveals the careful stonework that has survived centuries of Irish weather. Archaeological surveys by Risteárd Ua Cróinín and Martin Breen have documented these various facades, noting how the structure evolved to meet changing needs over time. The relationship between the tower and its accompanying banqueting hall is particularly striking when viewed from the east, where both structures create an impressive architectural ensemble.

What makes O’Dea’s Castle particularly significant is its dual function as both fortress and social centre. The presence of the banqueting hall suggests this wasn’t merely a defensive structure but a place where the local gentry could display their wealth and status through hospitality. Today, the monument stands under national protection, ensuring that future generations can continue to explore this remarkable example of Irish tower house architecture and the complex social history it represents.