Built into their structure are what appear to be the remains of a medieval tower house, those distinctive fortified residences that once dotted the Irish countryside. Local historian P. Black has identified these architectural fragments, which have been absorbed into the later farm buildings over the centuries.

Tower houses were the homes of choice for the Anglo-Norman gentry and prosperous Irish families from the 15th to 17th centuries. These compact stone fortresses typically stood three to six storeys tall, with thick walls, narrow windows, and battlements at the top. They served as both comfortable residences and defensive strongholds during turbulent times, when raids and local conflicts were common occurrences.

The Posseckstown tower house likely belonged to a local landowner who needed both a statement of status and a secure base for their agricultural estate. Today, its stones live on in a more humble role, supporting barns and storage buildings at Rose Lawn. It’s a reminder of how Ireland’s medieval heritage often hides in plain sight, woven into the fabric of everyday buildings rather than standing apart as isolated ruins.