Historical records paint a picture of what once stood here: an illustration by Wright from 1758 depicts a tower house alongside an arched gateway leading into a bawn, a fortified enclosure that would have protected livestock and provided refuge during raids. These structures were typical of the Anglo-Norman and Gaelic lordships that dominated the Irish landscape between the 15th and 17th centuries.

The site has been documented in both the Archaeological Inventory of County Louth from 1986 and the subsequent Archaeological Survey from 1991, with updates reflecting ongoing research into the area’s history. The County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal from 1912 also makes reference to these structures, suggesting they held some significance in the local historical record. Tower houses like the one that may have stood at Dungooly served as both defensive structures and symbols of status for the landed gentry, combining residential quarters with military fortification.

While the physical structures have been lost to time, their documentation in historical surveys helps piece together the medieval settlement patterns of County Louth. The combination of a tower house and bawn was a common defensive arrangement during turbulent centuries when local conflicts and cattle raids were frequent occurrences. Even without visible remains, sites like Dungooly contribute to our understanding of how communities organised themselves for protection whilst maintaining agricultural activities within the safety of fortified enclosures.