A small stream flows east to west just south of the site, whilst the medieval church of Balleen stands about 100 metres away. The bawn, essentially a defensive wall that once encircled the castle buildings, tells a story of evolving fortification methods spanning several centuries.

Historical maps from 1839 show the bawn as a complete circular enclosure containing multiple structures, including a gatehouse in the southeast quadrant, a tower in the southwest, and buildings in the northwest. The public road at that time even had a special fork to allow access through the gatehouse. Today, much of this impressive defensive circuit has vanished or lies hidden beneath collapsed masonry, though significant portions remain standing, particularly in the northwest section. This surviving stretch, measuring about 30 metres, is built from roughly coursed rubble sandstone with traces of external harling still visible.

What makes this bawn particularly interesting are its defensive features, which suggest it underwent significant modifications in the late 16th or early to mid 17th century. The wall contains an array of gun loops in various designs; circular shot holes, stirrup loops, and crosslet loops with stirrup bases, all carefully positioned to defend against attack. Rather than forming a perfect circle, the bawn follows a circular plan made up of straight wall sections with subtle angles, a practical approach to construction on uneven terrain. Evidence suggests an earlier defensive structure may have existed here too, as remnants of what appears to be a circular mural tower can be seen incorporated into the later stonework. The entire complex has been protected under a preservation order since 1992, recognising its importance as a window into Ireland’s turbulent medieval and early modern past.