This small tower house, likely built in the late 15th or early 16th century, represents the kind of fortified dwelling that once dotted the Irish landscape. Though it lacks the grandeur of larger castles, its simple rectangular form and thick limestone walls tell a story of local power and the need for defence in turbulent times.

The castle’s history is somewhat obscure, though it’s believed to have been built by a branch of the O’Brien clan, who controlled much of County Clare for centuries. The structure consists of four storeys, with the ground floor traditionally used for storage whilst the upper levels served as living quarters. Arrow slits and narrow windows punctuate the walls, designed more for security than comfort. The castle’s position near the lough wasn’t chosen by accident; it allowed its inhabitants to monitor water traffic and potentially control trade routes along this important waterway.

Today, Urlanbeg Castle stands roofless and partially ruined, its stone walls slowly being reclaimed by ivy and weather. Despite its deterioration, visitors can still make out key features like the spiral staircase tucked into one corner and the remains of a fireplace on an upper floor. The site offers a glimpse into how minor nobility lived during Ireland’s late medieval period, when such tower houses served as both homes and strongholds for families navigating the complex politics of Gaelic and Anglo-Norman Ireland.