3 metres north to south. Though it currently rises to four storeys, the structure originally stood at least one floor higher before time and conflict took their toll. The tower is accompanied by the fragmentary remains of a bawn enclosure on its northern and western sides, though these defensive walls have been heavily altered over the centuries and are now poorly preserved.

The tower’s defensive design becomes clear upon examining its entrances and internal layout. Two doorways pierce the western wall; one at ground level and another at first floor height. The upper entrance leads to a murder hole positioned directly above the ground floor doorway, complete with a portcullis slit in the floor for dropping unpleasant surprises on unwelcome visitors. From this same first floor entrance, mural stairs wind northward before transforming into a spiral staircase in the northwest corner, providing access to the upper levels. The second and third floors feature small fireplaces built into the southern wall, whilst the second floor windows are topped with segmental vaults and furnished with stone seats along their embrasures.

This stronghold belonged to the O’Driscoll clan until the aftermath of the Battle of Kinsale in 1601, when Crown forces seized the castle as part of the broader English conquest of Gaelic Ireland. Archaeological evidence suggests the building once boasted two vaulted ceilings; one wicker-centred vault over the first floor attic remains partially intact, whilst traces of centering supports indicate a second vault once spanned the third floor, though this has completely collapsed. A mural chamber tucked into the western wall at third floor level and recent excavations conducted in 2003 continue to reveal details about life in this coastal fortress.