This three-storey tower house, built from randomly coursed limestone rubble, dates back to at least 1640 when it was owned by Richard Comyn of Tullaghmaine, described rather dismissively in the Civil Survey of 1654-6 as merely ‘a small castle in repaire’. Despite its modest description, the structure reveals sophisticated defensive features typical of its era, including rounded corners for better defence against artillery, multiple gun-loops strategically placed to cover approaches, and the remains of an angle machicolation at the southeast corner; what the Ordnance Survey Letters rather quaintly termed ‘a watchtower’.

The castle’s layout tells a story of both security and adaptation over time. Visitors would have entered through a round-headed doorway on the south wall into a cleverly designed series of lobbies, with gun-loops providing covering fire for anyone attempting forced entry. The main ground-floor chamber was originally well-lit by round-headed windows flanked by more gun-loops, though later modifications saw the insertion of a new floor level that rather unfortunately cut across these windows, significantly darkening the space below. The spiral staircase in the southwest angle connected all levels, whilst each floor had its own fireplace; the second-floor example being particularly fine with its smooth polished limestone and chamfered surround.

Today, Carrigeen Castle bears the scars of its long history, with significant structural damage including the complete collapse of the north gable and serious cracks throughout, particularly visible in the south face. The central vault of the first floor has fallen through and lies where it dropped, whilst the spiral stairs survive only partially. Despite its ruinous state, enough original render clings to the walls and sufficient architectural detail remains to paint a picture of what was once a formidable defensive residence. The castle grounds are now enclosed by modern wooden hoarding on metal posts, standing about 2 to 2.5 metres from the tower walls, a rather mundane barrier protecting this remarkable survivor of Ireland’s turbulent past.