Built by the Fitzmaurice family who used it as the seat for their heirs until the mid-16th century, the castle was constructed from distinctive black coursed masonry interspersed with cut quern stones. Today, only the eastern wall remains substantially intact, rising over 12 metres high and featuring five window loops of varying sizes, from narrow defensive slits to larger openings, all topped by a large rectangular window with a pointed arch on the uppermost floor.

The castle’s violent history began in 1582 when it was destroyed during Lord Kerry’s raid, after which the Bunnion family briefly took possession before losing their lands due to their involvement in the Desmond rebellions. The Fitzmaurices proved remarkably resilient, however; Thomas Fitzmaurice received a royal pardon from King James in 1603 and had his castles and lands restored the following year, with full confirmation granted in 1612. Remarkably, the family managed to retain their holdings through the upheavals of 1641, 1651, and the 1690 rebellions, though by 1783 ownership had passed to Richard Haro.

Archaeological investigations have revealed fascinating details about the castle’s construction and defences. The interior once featured a spiral staircase in the southeast corner, now blocked, which was lit by small slit windows splayed inwards. Evidence suggests vaults existed over both the ground and third floors, though only fragments remain. Perhaps most intriguing is the discovery in 1987 of a 30-metre underground passage accessed through the south cliff face; this stone tunnel, built in beehive fashion with chambers over two metres high, extends towards the castle before ending in a cave-in, with another branch terminating in a dead end. The castle has been protected as a national monument since 1923, preserving this remarkable piece of Kerry’s medieval heritage.