This tower house, known as Cahirnefieke castle in 1574, once belonged to Tirlagh Carragh McSwyne before undergoing centuries of transformation. What makes this structure particularly intriguing is how it evolved from a defensive stronghold into something far more practical; by the early 1800s, it had been cut down in height and converted into a residence complete with training stables.

The castle’s alterations tell a story of changing times and priorities. In 1815, its original spiral stone staircase was removed, and today only hints of its military past remain, with perhaps a single loophole still visible beneath layers of plaster. The tower house now forms the western section of the farmyard complex, having been thoroughly renovated over the years. Standing four storeys tall with a modern pitched slate roof and chimney stack on its southern gable, it’s accessed through a doorway in the eastern wall.

Despite the extensive modifications, architectural details still speak to its history. A round-headed window at first floor level on the eastern wall suggests older construction methods, whilst the square-headed windows elsewhere reflect later renovations. This blend of medieval foundation and subsequent adaptation makes the Brooklodge tower house a fascinating example of how Ireland’s castle architecture has been repurposed rather than abandoned, with practical needs reshaping these ancient structures whilst preserving their essential character.