The fortification consists of a steep-sided conical mound rising approximately 12 metres high, its flat summit measuring 14.3 metres across. At its base, a deep V-shaped fosse separates two distinct bailey areas; one D-shaped enclosure to the northwest and a crescent-shaped bailey to the southeast. The remains of what may be stone steps or a support structure for a flying bridge can still be traced running up the western face of the motte, possibly connecting the northwestern bailey to the summit where a wooden tower would have once stood.

The castle was likely constructed around 1180 by Hugh de Lacy during his military campaign through the Gaelic kingdom of Meath, before being granted to Richard de Tuit as part of the Anglo-Norman settlement. Historical records paint a vivid picture of its turbulent past: in 1206, the sons of Art O’Melaghlin raided and burned parts of the town, whilst in 1234, Felim O’Connor, King of Connacht, led his army to burn Ballyloughloe along with Ardnurcher and many other settlements. The castle appears in various medieval documents, including the Irish Pipe Roll of 1211-12, which records Humphrey de Dene paying rent for the lands, and a royal command in 1215 ordering the castle’s restoration to Walter de Lacy.

Today, the monument remains remarkably well-preserved, with the southeastern bailey still defined by its earth and stone bank standing up to 2 metres high externally, complete with its defensive fosse. The northwestern bailey shows evidence of possible medieval features, including two rectangular depressions that may represent building foundations rather than later quarrying. Just 120 metres to the west lies the medieval church site of Ballyloughloe and its graveyard, which contains an Early Christian cross-inscribed slab bearing a Goidelic inscription, adding another layer of historical significance to this remarkable landscape. The site has been under preservation order since 1980, ensuring this impressive example of Anglo-Norman military engineering continues to dominate the ridge as it has for over 800 years.