The rectangular limestone tower, measuring roughly 11.6 by 8.9 metres, stands at least three storeys tall, though its upper reaches remain tantalisingly inaccessible behind locked gates at ground level. Built with crude limestone blocks and dressed quoins, the structure features a base-batter on its north wall and shows clear signs of its defensive past, including embrasures in each wall and the remains of a spiral staircase at the southwest corner.

The castle’s turbulent history reflects the broader struggles for control of Irish lands during the 16th and 17th centuries. Built by Donough O’Grady, it passed through various hands; Mac Gilleriogh owned it in 1570, before it was granted back to the O’Gradys in 1585. The year 1598 saw Teige O’Brien seize the castle from the Bishop of Meath’s son, though it appears to have returned to O’Grady ownership shortly after. The 1641 rebellion marked a turning point when Thomas Bourne, an Englishman, held the castle. Following the uprising, the property was transferred to David Bindon, who had been transplanted from County Tipperary, and James Roche. The Bindon family later established themselves at the nearby Clooney House, which they significantly expanded.

Though the south wall containing the original entrance has been destroyed, visitors can still observe fascinating architectural details that speak to medieval castle life. A barrel-vaulted guard room occupies the southeast angle, whilst a damaged rectangular fireplace sits at the southern end of the east wall. Perhaps most intriguing is the garderobe chute built into the wall south of the fireplace, its outlet positioned 1.25 metres above the current ground level on the wall’s outer face; a reminder of the practical considerations of castle living. Despite extensive surveys, no evidence of a surrounding bawn wall has been found, suggesting this tower may have stood alone in its defensive capacity.