Built sometime in the 15th or 16th century, Trough Castle was likely constructed by the O’Brien clan, who dominated much of Clare during this period. The castle’s position wasn’t chosen by chance; it commanded views over the surrounding countryside and controlled important routes through the region, making it a valuable military and administrative centre for whoever held it.

The castle changed hands multiple times throughout its history, reflecting the turbulent politics of medieval and early modern Ireland. During the Confederate Wars of the 1640s, it served as a stronghold for Catholic forces before falling to Cromwellian troops in 1651. Like many Irish castles of its era, Trough suffered deliberate destruction during Cromwell’s campaign to prevent it being used again by opposing forces. The systematic demolition, known as ‘slighting’, left the structure in ruins, though enough survives today to trace the original tower house design typical of Irish castles from this period.

What remains visible today are sections of the bawn wall, parts of the main tower, and foundations that hint at the castle’s former extent. Archaeological surveys have revealed evidence of additional structures within the bawn, including what may have been domestic buildings and storage areas. The site, though largely overgrown, offers visitors a tangible connection to Clare’s medieval past and stands as a monument to the complex layers of Irish history; from clan warfare through religious conflict to eventual abandonment as newer forms of architecture and defence made such fortifications obsolete.