Built by the Fitzgerald family, the rectangular tower measures 11.4 metres north to south and 9.9 metres east to west, reaching its full original height though its battlements have long since crumbled away. The entrance doorway, crafted from dressed limestone with a pointed arch, bears a fascinating inscription reading “1592 TG”, carved in false relief and attributed to Thomas ‘Geannagh’ Fitzgerald. This nickname, meaning ‘snub-nosed’ in Irish, belonged to the branch of the Imokilly Geraldines who made this castle their home. Adding to the tower’s character, a weathered human face carved into a quoin stone about 2.25 metres above ground level on the western side is thought to be a representation of Thomas himself.

The castle’s defensive features reveal the careful thought that went into its construction. A murder hole looms above the entrance passage, whilst yett holes through the door jambs once secured heavy iron gates. The ground floor chamber, measuring 8.4 by 5.45 metres internally, receives light through windows positioned centrally in the south, east and west walls; each featuring square-headed lights set within small lintelled embrasures covered by segmental wicker-centred arches. A straight staircase rises from the entrance level before transforming into a spiral in the northeast corner, providing access to the upper floors. The second and fourth floors retain their original rounded wicker-centred vaults, running north to south and demonstrating the medieval builders’ skill with stonework.

Each floor reveals different architectural details that speak to both comfort and defence. The upper levels feature windows with elegant ogee-headed lights, though many have lost their central mullions over time. Garderobe chambers, essentially medieval lavatories, are tucked into the walls on multiple floors, accessed through small doorways and lit by narrow slit windows. The fourth floor is particularly elaborate, with twin ogee-headed windows in each wall and access to what was once the wall walk atop the eastern wall. Though drainage gutter stones remain in place along the parapet, the crenellations have entirely broken away, and traces of the original roof gable flashing can still be spotted on the ivy-covered northern wall. Today, farm buildings lean against the north and south walls of the tower, with one ground floor window modified into a doorway, showing how this medieval stronghold has adapted to centuries of changing use.