This circular fortification, measuring 7.6 metres in diameter, was originally held by the Burke family before passing to Barnaby, Earl of Thomond, by 1640. The Civil Survey of 1654-6 rather dismissively described it as “a stumpe of a castle wanting repayre”, but what remains today tells a much richer story. The tower is surrounded by extensive earthworks to the north, including rectangular and square structures with substantial stone walls now covered in grass, suggesting this was once a more elaborate defensive complex.

The tower house itself is a study in medieval defensive architecture, constructed from roughly coursed limestone with traces of its original harling still visible on the exterior walls. Entry was gained through a pointed doorway on the north face, elevated slightly above ground level and flanked by tapering buttresses; likely accessed by steps that have long since vanished. Once inside, visitors would find themselves in a lobby overlooked by a murder hole, a rather unsubtle reminder that guests weren’t always welcome. The interior preserves several intriguing features across its surviving two storeys: gun loops strategically placed throughout (including one with an unusual ogee headed opening), ogee headed windows, fireplaces set into the western wall, and a narrow mural staircase winding upward through the eastern wall.

What makes Ballinaclogh particularly interesting is the evidence of earlier construction incorporated into the current structure. Several reused architectural fragments, including a jamb in the ground floor doorway and a chamfered piece at the base of the northeast squinch, suggest either an earlier phase of building or perhaps a previous structure entirely at this location. The tower’s interior layout was cleverly designed to maximise the limited space; timber floors were supported by an ingenious combination of beam holes, stone corbels projecting from corners, and squinches. Though ivy now claims much of the south face and rubble litters the ground floor, enough original lime render survives inside to hint at what would have been relatively comfortable living quarters for a minor noble family, complete with fireplaces and windows offering both light and defensive positions.