What stands today is a slightly elevated square platform, measuring 33 metres north to south and 36 metres east to west, surrounded by a defensive fosse that once protected this Purcell family stronghold. The platform, raised about half a metre to a metre above ground level, still bears traces of the castle’s wall footings at its centre, visible from aerial photographs. A causeway at the northeast angle marks the original entrance, whilst an old river bed to the west shows evidence of a leat that may have once fed water into the protective moat.

The castle itself was once an impressive four-storey square tower, measuring 8.2 metres on each side with walls 1.6 metres thick. According to the Ordnance Survey Letters, the tower featured a pointed arch doorway positioned off-centre on the eastern wall’s southern side, with a staircase leading to the northeast corner. The second and third floors showed evidence of barrel vaulting, a sophisticated architectural feature that would have provided both strength and fire resistance to the structure. By the time of the Civil Survey in 1654-6, the castle was still described as being ‘in repaire’ alongside its bawn, though only the walls of a stone house remained standing, surrounded by a few thatched cabins.

The castle’s proprietor during the Civil Survey was recorded as ‘Phillip Purcell of Cloyne gent. Irish Papist’, highlighting the family’s Catholic faith during a period when such allegiances carried significant political weight. The Purcells were among the old Norman families who had become thoroughly Irish over the centuries, maintaining their castles and lands through various political upheavals. Today, with the River Suir flowing to the east, the site offers visitors a chance to explore these earthwork remains and imagine the formidable fortress that once commanded this stretch of Tipperary countryside.