The site, though now largely reduced to earthworks and scattered stones, tells a story of power and control that shaped this corner of Connacht for centuries. Archaeological surveys have revealed the footprint of what was likely a tower house, a type of fortified residence favoured by Gaelic and Anglo-Norman families from the 14th century onwards.

The castle’s location wasn’t chosen by chance; it commanded views across the surrounding countryside and controlled access to important local routes. Historical records suggest it may have been associated with one of the prominent families who dominated this region during the late medieval period, though definitive attribution remains elusive. Like many Irish castles of its era, it would have served multiple purposes: defensive stronghold, administrative centre, and symbol of authority over the surrounding lands.

Today, visitors to the site need a keen eye and a bit of imagination to appreciate what once stood here. The visible remains include sections of foundation walls, a possible bawn outline, and earthen banks that hint at the castle’s original defensive perimeter. While it lacks the dramatic towers and battlements of better-preserved Irish castles, the Killinny East site offers something equally valuable: a glimpse into the network of smaller fortifications that once dotted the Irish landscape, each playing its part in the complex tapestry of medieval territorial control.