Whilst some sources, notably H.M. Roe’s unpublished history of the county, reference a motte at this location, no visible surface remains exist today, and the site doesn’t appear on either the 1839 or 1909 Ordnance Survey maps. The confusion may stem from a mix-up with another Castletown in County Laois, as the low hillock where the castle ruins stand appears to be a natural feature that’s been scarped rather than an artificially constructed Anglo-Norman motte.

Today, visitors will find the northwestern wall footings of the original castle incorporated into a rather unexpected feature: a private burial ground belonging to the White family, dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. This circular cemetery, measuring 28 metres north to south and 31 metres east to west, is enclosed by a stone wall roughly 45 centimetres thick that embraces the entire hillock. The burial ground has essentially preserved and repurposed this medieval site, creating an unusual layering of history where ancient castle remains share space with more recent graves.

Perhaps most intriguingly, archaeological evidence suggests there’s more to this site than meets the eye. Outside the burial ground wall, particularly from the western through to the northern sides, remnants of what appears to be a berm can be observed; approximately 2 metres wide and 70 centimetres in external height. This feature may represent the remains of a circular bawn that once enclosed the castle, offering a tantalising glimpse of the defensive structures that would have protected this medieval stronghold centuries ago.