This tower house, like many of its kind scattered across the Irish countryside, once served as both a fortified residence and a symbol of local power during turbulent centuries. The castle has been documented in detail by researchers Risteárd Ua Cróinín and Martin Breen, whose unpublished report provides valuable insights into the structure’s history and architectural features.

The castle presents itself as a compact but imposing structure when viewed from any angle, with each of its four faces telling a different story of medieval construction techniques. The north face features the original entrance door, a typical defensive element positioned to control access to the tower’s interior. These tower houses were ingeniously designed to maximise defence whilst providing comfortable living quarters for the local gentry; narrow windows, thick walls, and strategic positioning all contributed to their effectiveness as both homes and fortresses.

Today, Ballygriffy Castle enjoys protected status under a preservation order that has been in place since 1947, recognising its importance to Ireland’s architectural heritage. The monument falls under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014, ensuring that this piece of medieval history remains standing for future generations to study and appreciate. Recent photographic documentation from 2019 captures the castle from multiple perspectives, revealing the weathered stone faces that have withstood centuries of Irish weather whilst maintaining their structural integrity.