This substantial limestone house, measuring roughly 30 metres by 20 metres, follows an H-plan design that was fashionable amongst the landed gentry of the 16th and 17th centuries. The building’s most distinctive features are its projecting wings at either end of a central rectangular block, each topped with tall Jacobean-style chimney stacks reminiscent of those found at nearby Ballynakill Castle.

The house’s construction tells a story of both grandeur and defensive pragmatism. Its semi-fortified nature, with walls ranging from 0.9 to 1.3 metres thick, suggests it was built during uncertain times when comfort and security went hand in hand. The south-facing façade reveals sophisticated architectural details; the central block sits nearly five metres back from the flanking towers, creating an impressive visual effect. Evidence of the original external render shows an interesting decorative scheme, with false quoin stones painted in alternating black and white around the corners and window surrounds, a stylistic touch that would have made the building quite striking in its heyday.

Historical records suggest the castle may have been built as early as 1560 by Sir Charles Coote, though the architectural style points more convincingly to the mid to late 17th century. The layout reflects the social hierarchy of the period, with private chambers likely occupying the flanking wings where the fireplaces were located, whilst the recessed central block would have contained the public reception rooms. Like many Irish castles of its era, Castlecuffe’s story came to an abrupt end during the 1641 rebellion when it was abandoned, leaving these impressive ruins as a testament to a turbulent period in Irish history.