Today, only the southern corner of what was once a formidable tower house remains, offering visitors a glimpse into Ireland’s turbulent past when such fortifications dotted the landscape.

The surviving fragment rises approximately six metres high, with the southeastern and southwestern wall returns extending roughly two metres in length before giving way to centuries of decay. While the castle lacks any distinguishable architectural features that might help date it more precisely or reveal details about its original inhabitants, its strategic position overlooking Lough Derg speaks to its former importance as a defensive stronghold. Tower houses like this one were typically built between the 15th and 17th centuries by wealthy landowners seeking both protection and a visible symbol of their status.

Archaeological surveys conducted for the County Tipperary inventory have documented what remains of Townlough Castle, though much of its history remains shrouded in mystery. The poor state of preservation means that many questions about its original layout, the families who lived here, and the circumstances of its abandonment may never be fully answered. Nevertheless, even in its ruined state, the castle serves as a tangible link to the medieval landscape of North Tipperary, when control of the lands around Lough Derg was fiercely contested and fortified dwellings were essential for survival.