Built sometime in the 15th or early 16th century, this four-storey fortified residence was likely constructed by the O’Kennedy clan, who controlled much of this region during the medieval period. The castle’s strategic position overlooking the lake would have allowed its inhabitants to monitor boat traffic along this important waterway, which connected various settlements and provided a crucial trade route through the Irish midlands.

The tower house follows the typical design of its era, with thick limestone walls, narrow defensive windows on the lower levels, and larger openings higher up where residents would have lived. The ground floor, originally used for storage, features a stone vault ceiling; a common defensive feature that prevented fire from spreading upward if attackers tried to burn out the inhabitants. Above this, the main hall would have served as the centre of daily life, whilst the uppermost floors contained private chambers for the lord’s family. Murder holes, through which defenders could drop stones or pour boiling liquids on invaders, can still be seen above the entrance.

Today, Portlecka Castle stands as a compelling remnant of Ireland’s turbulent past, when local chieftains built these compact fortresses to protect their families and assert their authority over the surrounding lands. Though roofless and partially ruined, the castle’s walls remain remarkably intact, offering visitors a chance to explore the architectural ingenuity of medieval Irish builders. The site is freely accessible to the public, though care should be taken when exploring the ruins, particularly the worn stone spiral staircase that still winds its way up through the tower’s interior.