Like many Irish castles, it likely served as both a defensive structure and a symbol of authority during medieval times. County Kilkenny itself is rich with Norman heritage, having been a significant stronghold following the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century.

The area around Frankfort West would have been strategically important for controlling local territories and trade routes. Many castles in this region were built as tower houses during the 15th and 16th centuries, when local lords sought to protect their lands whilst displaying their wealth and status. These structures typically featured thick stone walls, narrow windows, and multiple floors connected by spiral staircases; all designed to withstand sieges whilst providing comfortable accommodation for the ruling family.

Today, castles throughout County Kilkenny serve as reminders of Ireland’s complex medieval past, when Gaelic Irish chiefs, Anglo-Norman lords, and English settlers vied for control of the landscape. Whether standing as ruins or restored structures, these fortifications offer glimpses into centuries of power struggles, architectural evolution, and the everyday lives of those who once called them home.