The rectangular limestone tower rises three storeys high, topped with an attic and crenellated wall-walk, and sits within a circular bawn wall that stretches roughly 33 metres from east to west. What makes this site particularly intriguing is the deep moat that once encircled the entire complex, though it’s now only visible on the southern side. The bawn wall itself features musket loops; small openings through which defenders could fire upon attackers; with the best preserved examples found along the southern section.

The tower’s entrance reveals the careful thought that went into its defensive design. A two-centred pointed doorway with finely dressed limestone jambs leads visitors inside, where they’d historically have passed beneath a murder hole; a rather grim opening through which defenders could drop stones or pour boiling liquids on unwelcome guests. The ground floor chamber receives light through three windows set in deep embrasures, whilst a cleverly concealed mural passage in the east wall leads to stairs tucked into the northeast corner. These stairs wind westward, providing access to all the main chambers via wooden floors supported on stone corbels. The tower’s domestic comforts include a garderobe chamber at first floor level and a fireplace on the second floor, complete with its tall rectangular chimney stack still visible at wall-walk level.

The upper levels showcase some particularly interesting defensive features, including two bartizans; small turrets projecting from the main structure; at diagonally opposite corners, accessed from the third floor and supported externally on corbels. The intact eastern gable at wall-walk level can still be reached via stairs in the northwest angle, offering views across the surrounding landscape. This castle appears on the Down Survey map of 1655, confirming its importance during one of Ireland’s most turbulent periods. The quality of the stonework and architectural details suggest this was once home to a family of considerable means, who clearly valued both comfort and security in equal measure.