Also known as Desmond Castle, this 13th-century stronghold consists of two distinct wards surrounded by limestone rubble curtain walls that remain largely intact despite centuries of neglect. The inner ward forms a rounded enclosure, measuring roughly 33.5 metres east to west, whilst the larger outer ward extends to about 90 metres in length. Both sections are accessed through rectangular gatehouses, with a water-filled moat still separating the north-west corner. At the heart of the inner ward rises a substantial square keep dating from the 1200s, when much of the original fortification was constructed.

The outer ward reveals fascinating layers of medieval construction, entered through a gatehouse that once featured a drawbridge and portcullis. Along the southern side facing the river, two hall-like structures dominate the range of buildings. The western hall, a two-storey rectangular building inserted into the earlier curtain wall, showcases elaborate twin-light windows with roll mouldings, though many are modern restorations. Its ground floor has been modified with later partition walls, whilst the first floor was likely reached by external stairs. Attached to this hall, a tower projects into the river itself, complete with a water channel at its base and a garderobe at first-floor level. The eastern hall, measuring over 32 metres in length, appears to have served as a great hall with its single storey construction. Its south wall features an intriguing mix of openings, including a cusped ogee-headed window that was reportedly relocated from the parish church.

Today the castle lies heavily overgrown and in poor condition, yet its substantial remains offer remarkable insights into medieval defensive architecture and domestic arrangements. The combination of 13th-century military features with later medieval residential additions illustrates how these fortifications evolved from purely defensive structures into more comfortable aristocratic residences. The variety of window styles, from simple loops to ornate twin lights, along with practical features like garderobes and water access, paint a vivid picture of life in a medieval Irish castle. Despite its current state, the castle’s curtain walls stand virtually complete, preserving the footprint of what was once one of the most significant strongholds of the Earls of Desmond in County Limerick.