This medieval fortification, catalogued as WX048-034, once stood as a defensive structure typical of the Irish landscape during the turbulent centuries following the Norman invasion. Tower houses like Ballyhire were built throughout Ireland between the 15th and 17th centuries, serving as fortified residences for local lords and wealthy families who needed protection from raids and rival clans.

Archaeological investigations carried out in 1997 revealed more of the castle’s original layout than meets the eye today. During excavation work led by O’Donovan, archaeologists discovered the remains of a bawn wall running east to west, located south of the main tower. Bawns were defensive walls that enclosed the area around a tower house, creating a fortified courtyard where livestock could be protected and daily activities could take place safely. These enclosed spaces were essential features of Irish tower houses, providing an extra layer of security for the inhabitants.

The archaeological testing also uncovered sections of cobbled surfaces within the site, suggesting areas of heavy use; perhaps pathways or work areas where the castle’s residents once went about their daily lives. Whilst no additional structures were found during the excavation, the presence of the bawn wall and cobbling helps piece together a picture of Ballyhire as a once-thriving defensive homestead. Today, visitors to the site can still trace the outline of this forgotten stronghold, imagining the stone walls that once rose from these foundations to dominate the Wexford countryside.