Loughmask Castle was built around 1480 by the de Burgo family, one of the powerful Norman families who settled in Connacht during the medieval period. The castle underwent significant alterations in the early 17th century, with repairs and modifications carried out in both 1615 and 1618, transforming the medieval stronghold to meet the changing needs of its inhabitants.

The castle’s architecture reveals fascinating construction details from different periods. The lower chamber features stone vaulting with visible wickerwork impressions, a technique where woven branches were used as temporary support during the vault’s construction before being removed or decaying away, leaving their pattern embedded in the mortar. The building’s exterior showcases finely carved gargoyles, those grotesque water spouts that served both practical drainage purposes and, according to medieval belief, protection from evil spirits.

Inside, two fireplaces mark the castle’s domestic evolution; one bears the date 1618, corresponding with the later renovation period when comfort became as important as defence. While the castle remains on private property with no public access, its presence speaks to the complex history of Gaelic and Norman families in Mayo, where fortified homes like this one controlled strategic positions along the shores of Lough Mask for centuries. The tower house stands as a reminder of how these structures adapted over time, transitioning from purely defensive fortifications to more comfortable residences whilst maintaining their imposing presence in the landscape.