Built during the Anglo-Norman period, likely in the 13th or 14th century, the structure served as both a defensive fortification and a residence for local nobility. The castle’s strategic position along the King’s River made it an important stronghold for controlling trade routes and river crossings in medieval Kilkenny.

The castle features the characteristic elements of Irish tower houses, with thick stone walls designed to withstand siege warfare and narrow windows that served as both defensive positions and sources of natural light. Over the centuries, it passed through various noble families who left their mark on the structure, adding modifications and expansions that reflect changing architectural styles and defensive needs. The surrounding landscape would have included a bawn, or fortified courtyard, where livestock could be protected during times of conflict.

Today, the ruins offer visitors a glimpse into the turbulent history of medieval Ireland, when such fortifications dotted the countryside. The castle’s weathered stones tell stories of clan rivalries, English colonisation efforts, and the everyday lives of those who lived within its walls. Archaeological evidence suggests the site remained occupied well into the 17th century, when changing political circumstances and new forms of warfare finally rendered such tower houses obsolete.