The structure dates back to the tower house tradition that flourished across Ireland between the 15th and 17th centuries, when local landowners built these fortified residences as symbols of their status and practical defences against the uncertainties of the period. Like many of its contemporaries, the castle would have served dual purposes; providing both a comfortable home for a wealthy family and a secure stronghold in times of conflict.

The castle’s architecture follows the typical tower house design, featuring thick stone walls, narrow windows, and multiple storeys that once housed living quarters, storage areas, and defensive positions. These buildings were ingeniously designed to maximise both security and comfort within a relatively compact footprint. The ground floor traditionally served as storage for supplies and livestock, whilst the upper floors contained the main hall, private chambers, and often a chapel. Murder holes, spiral staircases designed to favour right-handed defenders, and machicolations for dropping objects on attackers below were common defensive features incorporated into these structures.

Today, the castle stands as a reminder of Kilkenny’s rich medieval past and the complex social hierarchies that shaped rural Ireland for centuries. The surrounding landscape of Drumdowney Lower would have once been part of the castle’s demesne, with tenant farmers working the land whilst the tower house kept watch over the territory. Though time has weathered its stones, the castle continues to offer visitors a tangible connection to the generations who lived, worked, and defended their homes in medieval Ireland.