The structure consists of a simple rectangular tower, measuring roughly 8.5 metres by 6.5 metres externally, with walls approximately one metre thick. Though now roofless and partially ruined, the castle originally rose to at least three storeys, with evidence of a spiral staircase in the north-eastern corner providing access between floors. The ground floor features a barrel-vaulted ceiling, a common defensive feature that provided both strength and fire resistance, whilst narrow window loops pierce the thick walls, offering limited light but maximum protection to those within.

Historical records suggest the castle may have belonged to the O’Brien sept, who controlled much of County Clare during the medieval period, though definitive ownership remains uncertain. The tower house follows the typical pattern of Irish fortified dwellings from the 15th and 16th centuries; these structures served as both defensive strongholds and symbols of local authority. The entrance, positioned at ground level on the eastern wall, would have been secured by a heavy wooden door, possibly reinforced with iron, whilst murder holes above allowed defenders to rain projectiles upon unwelcome visitors.

Today, Ballykelly Castle stands quietly in the Clare countryside, its weathered stones bearing witness to centuries of Irish history. The surrounding landscape has changed considerably since its construction; what were once contested borderlands are now peaceful fields and hedgerows. Despite its ruined state, the castle’s remaining walls showcase the quality of medieval Irish masonry, with carefully fitted limestone blocks still holding firm after half a millennium. Visitors can still trace the outline of the original chambers, imagine the wooden floors that once divided the tower into living spaces, and appreciate how these compact fortresses provided security in an uncertain age.