The castle dates from the 15th or 16th century, when such defensive structures were commonly erected by Gaelic and Anglo-Norman families throughout the country. Like many Irish tower houses, Clonderalaw Castle would have served as both a residence and a stronghold for a local landowning family, offering protection during the frequent conflicts that characterised this turbulent period of Irish history.

The structure follows the typical design of Irish tower houses, with thick stone walls that taper as they rise, narrow windows for defence, and multiple floors that would have housed living quarters, storage areas, and defensive positions. The castle’s strategic location in Clare would have allowed its occupants to monitor and control the surrounding lands. While the specific family who built Clonderalaw Castle is not definitively recorded, the region was historically dominated by various septs of the O’Brien dynasty, who held sway over much of County Clare during the medieval period.

Today, the castle stands as a reminder of Ireland’s complex medieval past, when hundreds of such tower houses dotted the landscape. Though no longer inhabited, these structures offer valuable insights into the social hierarchy, defensive needs, and architectural capabilities of late medieval Ireland. The survival of Clonderalaw Castle, despite centuries of conflict, neglect, and weather, speaks to the skill of its original builders and the durability of traditional Irish stone construction methods.