When archaeologist T. Lynch surveyed the site in October 1980, he documented traces of a bawn; a fortified enclosure that would have protected the castle’s livestock and inhabitants from raiders. These earthen banks, though weathered by centuries, still mark the boundaries of what was once a bustling defensive compound.

Beyond the bawn itself, Lynch noted additional earthworks stretching further into the landscape, suggesting this was more than just a simple castle and courtyard arrangement. The full extent of these features remains somewhat mysterious, as thick vegetation has long obscured their details from casual observers. These earthworks likely represent ancillary structures; perhaps storage areas, workers’ quarters, or additional defensive positions; that supported the main castle complex during its active years.

The site exemplifies the layered nature of Irish archaeological landscapes, where medieval fortifications blend into the natural contours of the land. While the castle itself draws the eye, these surrounding earthworks tell an equally important story about how medieval communities organised their defences and daily life. The Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly, published in 1997, has helped preserve the memory of these features, ensuring that even when nature reclaims the land, the historical record endures.