The exceptions are two sections on the northern side that still stand at an impressive four metres, with one portion featuring three putlog holes; evidence of the scaffolding used during its original construction. The walls, measuring between one and one and a half metres thick, define a flat interior space that once formed the heart of this medieval stronghold.

Local legend adds a dramatic chapter to the castle’s history, claiming that James II took refuge here during his flight from the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. While this tale may be more folklore than fact, it speaks to the site’s enduring presence in local memory. The Irish Tourist Authority’s 1942 survey noted that the ruins stand on the lands of Ballyvolan House, near the southern end of Ballyvolan Glen, where they’ve quietly weathered the centuries.

The area around the castle has yielded intriguing discoveries over the years, particularly during the 19th century. Excavations have uncovered human skeletons and burnt wood, whilst a nearby marl pit produced a particularly fascinating find: a large horn containing Elizabethan coins. These artefacts hint at the site’s long and varied history, from its medieval origins through Tudor times and beyond, painting a picture of a place that witnessed centuries of Irish history unfold around its now crumbling walls.