Known both as Smithstown Castle and Ballynagowan Castle, the structure dates from the late medieval period when tower houses dotted the Irish landscape, serving as fortified homes for local landowners. The castle’s dual naming reflects the complex history of land ownership and territorial divisions that characterised medieval Clare.

The tower house follows the typical design of its era, with thick limestone walls built to withstand both siege and the harsh Atlantic weather. Its strategic position would have given its inhabitants clear views across the surrounding countryside, essential for spotting approaching visitors, whether friendly or hostile. Like many Irish tower houses, it likely featured multiple storeys with the ground floor used for storage and defence, whilst the upper floors contained the main living quarters, complete with fireplaces and narrow windows that served as both light sources and defensive positions.

Today, the castle stands as a monument to the turbulent centuries when Clare’s powerful families vied for control of the region’s rich agricultural lands. Though time has taken its toll on the structure, enough remains to give visitors a sense of the formidable presence these tower houses once commanded. The castle forms part of a broader network of similar fortifications across County Clare, each telling its own story of medieval Irish life, where the need for defence was balanced with the demands of managing agricultural estates and maintaining political alliances.