The castle’s most notable feature is its well-preserved courtyard, or bawn, which archaeologists Ua Cróinín and Breen documented in their 1992 survey. This rectangular enclosure measures approximately 30 by 20 metres and showcases the strategic thinking of its builders; the River Fergus provides natural defence on the western and northern sides, whilst high stone cliffs protect the eastern approach. The tower house itself guards the southern boundary, creating a formidable defensive arrangement that would have been difficult for any attacker to breach.

The bawn represents a typical feature of Irish tower houses from this period, serving as a fortified courtyard where livestock could be secured and daily activities could take place under protection. These enclosed spaces were essential to castle life, providing both practical utility and an additional layer of defence for the inhabitants. The use of natural features like the river and cliffs demonstrates how medieval builders worked with the landscape rather than against it, incorporating existing geographical advantages into their defensive plans.

Interestingly, when researchers returned to inspect the site in 1999, they found the courtyard area to the north and northeast of the castle had become heavily overgrown and difficult to identify clearly. This highlights one of the ongoing challenges in Irish archaeology; many historical sites gradually disappear beneath vegetation when left unmaintained, making it crucial to document these structures whilst their features remain visible. The contrast between the detailed 1992 survey and the obscured state just seven years later serves as a reminder of how quickly nature can reclaim these ancient monuments.