The castle’s history stretches back to the 15th century when Randal Oge Barry built the original structure, though by 1642 it had passed into the hands of Arthur Freke. That year saw the castle withstand a lengthy but ultimately unsuccessful siege by Irish forces, a testament to its defensive capabilities during a turbulent period in Irish history.

Today, 19th century farm buildings from the Castlefreke estate occupy much of the site, leaving only fragments of the earlier defences visible. At the southeast corner of what’s now a coachyard, visitors can spot a rounded arch running east to west that covers a rectangular area measuring 7.3 by 4.1 metres. This arch springs from two notably thick walls, each about 1.2 metres wide, though centuries of alterations and rebuilding have changed their original appearance. The southern and western edges of the site feature a tall revetment wall built directly against the rock face, whilst a semi-hexagonal bastion projects southward from this defensive line.

The bastion itself tells an interesting story of military architecture; it contains blocked semicircular arched openings that appear to have been designed for cannon emplacements, suggesting the castle’s adaptation to gunpowder warfare. Though the bastion has since been filled in, with its top now level with the surrounding ground, these features offer glimpses into the site’s defensive past. The farmyard has undergone conversion into a folk park, allowing visitors to explore this blend of medieval fortification, 17th century siege history, and 19th century agricultural heritage in one compelling location.