Built in the early fourteenth century, this tower likely served as a gate tower providing access to a much larger castle structure. Historical evidence supports this grander scale; Monk Mason’s 1818 drawing depicts an extensive castle complex, whilst archaeological investigations have occasionally uncovered foundations of the original buildings. The site appears to have been surrounded by a defensive fosse, or dry moat, adding another layer of protection to this important stronghold.

The castle’s strategic importance extended well beyond its initial construction. During the turbulent period of the Geraldine Rebellion in the sixteenth century, the fortress served as a garrison, playing a crucial role in the military conflicts that shaped Irish history. This transformation from noble residence to military outpost reflects the changing fortunes and purposes of many Irish castles throughout the centuries.

Today, visitors to Tallaght can still see the square tower, catalogued as DU021-037010, which offers a tangible connection to Ireland’s medieval past. Whilst much of the original castle has been lost to time, the surviving tower continues to spark curiosity about the full extent of this once formidable structure. The historical accounts from writers like Handcock in 1899 and O’Curry in 1837, combined with modern archaeological work by scholars such as Bradley and King, help piece together the story of this significant Dublin fortress.