The site, documented in 1837, presented an intriguing architectural evolution; the circular earthen fort, or rath, appears to have been repurposed as a bawn, a defensive courtyard typical of Irish fortified houses. The Ordnance Survey Name Book from 1836-7 recorded it as “Bawn fort and the ruins of an old castle to its northwest point”, whilst the 1837 OS map showed a building marked as ‘Castle’ at the eastern edge of the rath, oriented northwest to southwest.

The O’Farrells were prominent Gaelic lords who ruled this part of Longford for centuries, and their strategic use of existing defensive structures reflects a common practice in medieval and early modern Ireland. Rather than building entirely new fortifications, many Irish nobles adapted prehistoric ringforts for their own purposes, transforming these ancient earthworks into the outer defences of their castle complexes. This particular site would have commanded views across the surrounding countryside, serving both as a symbol of O’Farrell power and a practical defensive position.

Unfortunately, this tangible link to Ireland’s layered past no longer exists above ground. A 1966 report confirmed that both the castle and the rath had been completely levelled, leaving no visible surface traces of either structure. Today, only historical records and maps preserve the memory of this once-significant O’Farrell stronghold, a reminder of how much of Ireland’s built heritage has been lost to time and agricultural improvement. The site was documented by Patrick F. O’Donovan and uploaded to archaeological records in October 2012, ensuring that at least the historical record of this vanished fortress endures.