This ringwork castle, dating from the Anglo-Norman period, consists of an earthen bank and ditch system that once formed a formidable defensive position. Unlike the stone castles that would later dominate the Irish landscape, ringworks were among the earliest forms of Norman fortification in Ireland, constructed quickly to establish control over newly conquered territories.

The site at Ballycarroll follows the classic ringwork design; a raised circular or oval platform surrounded by a deep ditch and an outer bank. Originally, this earthwork would have been topped with a wooden palisade and internal buildings, creating a secure compound for the Norman lords and their retinues. Archaeological evidence suggests the site was occupied throughout the medieval period, though the wooden structures have long since disappeared, leaving only the impressive earthworks visible today.

What makes Ballycarroll particularly interesting is its strategic location and its role in the Norman colonisation of Clare. The ringwork commanded views over the surrounding countryside, allowing its occupants to monitor and control local movements whilst serving as a base for further expansion into Gaelic territories. Today, visitors can walk the perimeter of the earthworks and imagine the bustling medieval settlement that once stood here, complete with halls, stables, and workshops that supported the military and administrative functions of this early castle.