This impressive fortified house dates from the early 17th century, though by the time of the Civil Survey in 1654;6, it was already described as ‘one demolished castle irrepairable & one thatcht house’. The property was then in the hands of Charles Dwyer of Cullyneur, listed as an Irish Papist proprietor in 1640. Despite its ruinous description centuries ago, the castle’s remains are remarkably well preserved today, showcasing the ambitions of its original builders.

The castle follows a distinctive design that was fashionable amongst wealthy landowners of the period; a rectangular four;storey central block measuring roughly 7.5 by 13 metres, with circular towers at each corner. Built from roughly coursed limestone rubble, the structure rises to three storeys in the towers and four in the main block, with the towers serving as private chambers accessed from each floor of the central building. The architectural details reveal both defensive and domestic considerations: gun loops pierce the towers at multiple levels, whilst the main block features an evolution of window styles, from narrow round;headed openings at ground level to grand triple;light transomed windows with hood mouldings on the second floor, which appears to have been the principal living space.

Perhaps the castle’s most striking feature is its roofline, originally adorned with up to ten tall chimney stacks rising from the gabled walls, eight of which survive today. String courses run around the external walls as decorative elements, whilst practical water spouts project from the upper levels. The building has seen various modifications over the centuries; large pointed arches were inserted into the east and west walls during the 19th century, and the southeast tower was converted into a residence with sash windows. An 18th;century house was built against the northeast corner, possibly incorporating remains of the thatched house mentioned in the Civil Survey, with the northeast tower cleverly integrated into the newer structure.