This rectangular enclosure, measuring 47.1 metres east to west and 39.1 metres north to south, is surrounded by high walls with a circular flanking tower at each corner. Each tower has an internal diameter of roughly 4.6 metres with walls about 1.4 metres thick. Though now largely in ruins with only the interior farmyard still in use, the structure reveals layers of history from its origins as a 16th century stronghold to its later transformation into a country house.

Built around 1582 as the principal seat of the O’Keeffe family, the castle served as their stronghold until it was forfeited following the 1642 rebellion. The original defensive features are still visible in places; both the southwest and northeast towers retain series of deeply splayed gun loops at ground level, whilst the other two towers likely had similar defensive elements now concealed by later alterations. The towers’ original construction survives to first or second floor level, with wooden floors that would have rested on large joists, as evidenced by blocked joist holes visible in the northeast tower.

The 18th and 19th centuries brought dramatic changes when the complex was converted into a country residence with farm buildings. Mock crenellated parapets supported on corbels were added to the upper levels of the curtain walls and towers, whilst arched and crenellated gateways were inserted in the centres of the east and west walls. The southwest tower received the most ambitious alterations, extended to five storeys whilst the others were built up to just above second floor level. Ranges of two storey farm buildings were constructed against the north and south curtain walls, some of which remain in use today. The towers were fitted with windows featuring cut limestone surrounds and brick fireplace arches typical of the period. By the mid 18th century, it was home to a Mr Philpot, and later the Leader family made further improvements before the house was deliberately burnt in the early 1920s during Ireland’s turbulent revolutionary period.