The castle comprises a tower house at the southwest corner, a northern gatehouse, and a central two-storey building that runs east to west, connecting the keep and gatehouse. An eastern stair tower sits adjacent to both the keep and central range, creating an interconnected defensive complex that speaks to the strategic importance of this site in medieval Ireland.

While the exact construction date remains uncertain, architectural features throughout the castle point to a fifteenth-century origin, most likely after 1483 when the Fitzgeralds were granted control of the area. This powerful Anglo-Norman family would have recognised the strategic value of the location and invested in creating a formidable stronghold that could withstand the turbulent politics of late medieval Ireland. The castle’s military significance continued well into the early modern period; it was garrisoned during the 1552 Baltinglass Revolution and later occupied by Confederate forces between 1645 and 1647, marking its role in the complex religious and political conflicts of the era.

The castle underwent extensive restoration in 1849, which preserved many of its original features whilst adapting the structure for modern use. Today, Kilkea Castle operates as a hotel, allowing visitors to experience this remarkable piece of Irish heritage firsthand. The transformation from medieval fortress to hospitality venue reflects Ireland’s broader journey, where structures once built for warfare and defence now welcome guests from around the world, their ancient stones telling stories of rebellion, occupation, and the enduring legacy of the Anglo-Norman presence in Ireland.