Built sometime in the 15th or early 16th century, this impressive structure rises five storeys high, with its sturdy walls measuring approximately 1.5 metres thick at the base. The castle’s rectangular plan follows the typical design of Irish tower houses of the period, featuring a spiral staircase in the northeast corner that connects all levels, whilst murder holes above the entrance and narrow arrow slits throughout the walls reveal its defensive purpose.

The castle’s interior showcases several architectural features that speak to both comfort and security. Each floor contains a main chamber with stone window seats carved into the embrasures, allowing occupants to take advantage of natural light whilst maintaining defensive positions. The ground floor, originally used for storage, features a stone vault ceiling; a common feature designed to prevent fire from spreading upward should attackers breach the entrance. The upper floors would have served as living quarters for the lord’s family, with the topmost level likely containing the main hall where meals were taken and important business conducted.

Historical records suggest Killone Castle was associated with the O’Brien clan, who dominated much of County Clare during the medieval period. The castle’s strategic position near Killone Lake provided both a natural water source and an additional defensive barrier against potential attackers. Though the wooden floors and roof have long since disappeared, the stone shell remains remarkably intact, offering visitors a chance to explore one of Clare’s best preserved tower houses and imagine life within its walls during Ireland’s turbulent medieval centuries.