Historical records show it was already standing in 1574, when it belonged to one William Gaynard. The castle consists of a rectangular keep measuring 11.1 metres long by 6.6 metres wide, with a small rectangular tower jutting from its eastern corner. Whilst the structure likely dates back to the 13th century, what visitors see today is largely the result of extensive restoration work carried out in 1970.

The castle now rises two storeys high, though historical accounts from 1901 mention the existence of a third floor that has since been lost. The original entrance, a doorway positioned at first floor level towards the southern end of the southwest wall, is now accessed via modern stone stairs. Inside, the layout remains relatively faithful to its medieval origins: a vaulted ground floor gives way to a great hall on the first floor, illuminated by five tall windows. At the northwest end of the great hall, an en suite bedroom has been incorporated, topped by a gallery space. An intramural staircase built into the northwest wall connects the two floors, though much of the upper sections of the walls, along with the roof and parapets, are modern reconstructions.

The eastern corner tower appears to be a later medieval addition, possibly serving as a garderobe. It now comprises three storeys, and whilst many of the castle’s windows have been altered over time, the overall structure provides a compelling glimpse into medieval Irish fortification. The castle’s strategic position is further emphasised by its proximity to other historical sites; a church lies 490 metres to the north northeast, whilst an island cashel can be found 450 metres to the southwest, suggesting this area held considerable importance in medieval Galway.