The structure, measuring 9.25 metres in internal diameter and 16.75 metres externally, survives to just above first floor level, though time hasn’t been entirely kind; a large gap yawns in the southern wall whilst vertical cracks scar the northern and western faces. The tower features a distinctive base batter, with traces of plaster finish still visible on both internal and external surfaces. The ground floor doorway, located in the southern wall, has lost its surround, but a drawbar socket on the eastern side indicates the original sill sat higher than the current ground level. Windows pierce the walls to the west, north and east, their wide splays accentuated by the batter, with embrasures covered by lintels at the front and vaulting to the rear.

The interior reveals sophisticated medieval construction techniques and domestic arrangements. The ground floor was originally covered by a wicker-centred dome, though only the springing courses remain today. A mural stair once rose from the western side of the ground floor doorway, with just a few steps surviving. The first floor retains windows to the north and east, both featuring semicircular vaults and traces of stone seats. A fireplace shell occupies the northwest wall, its facing stones long since robbed, whilst a mural chamber to the west contains a garderobe, though much of its walls have fallen. The roof over the first floor relied on wooden supports; socket holes for a single large beam remain visible on the western and eastern walls, which in turn supported nine joists whose socket holes can still be seen on the northern and southern walls. An intriguing squinch arch on the eastern wall, supported by masonry corbels just above the joist holes, was interpreted by archaeologist Hartnett as possibly being a bed niche.

Historical records help date the tower to the thirteenth century, with an inquisition of 1321 into Richard de Clare’s property mentioning ‘a round tower built of stone’ at Inchiquin. By 1350, an inquiry described it as ‘one stone tower worth nothing as it wants great repair’, suggesting early deterioration. The wicker-centred dome indicates repairs during the fifteenth or sixteenth century, by which time the property had passed to the Earls of Desmond. The tower gained a colourful footnote in history as the residence of ‘the old Countess of Desmond’ until her death in 1604, and reportedly suffered damage from Cromwell’s guns in 1649, adding another layer to its already rich historical narrative.