Archaeological surveys conducted by the Archaeological Survey of Ireland in 1982 revealed evidence of a semi-circular flanker attached to the southeast corner of the site’s tower house. This curved structure appears to be part of a once-substantial bawn wall that likely enclosed the castle grounds, providing an outer line of defence during turbulent times.

The bawn itself may have been quite impressive in its day, possibly featuring four circular flanking towers positioned at strategic points along the perimeter wall. These towers would have allowed defenders to cover the walls with crossfire, making any assault on the castle considerably more difficult. The timing of the bawn’s construction appears to coincide with other improvements to the castle complex; during the same period in the 17th century, a three-storey building was added to the western face of the original tower house, suggesting a broader programme of expansion and modernisation.

Today, most of this defensive structure has been lost to time, with only fragmentary remains visible to hint at its former extent. The surviving semi-circular flanker serves as an important archaeological clue, helping historians piece together how Irish castles adapted to changing military needs during the early modern period. These modifications reflect the ongoing conflicts of 17th-century Ireland, when older medieval tower houses were updated with more sophisticated defensive features to meet new threats.