What began as a compact urban tower house in the early 16th century has evolved through multiple incarnations; from defensive stronghold to prison, police barracks to private residence. Historical building surveys conducted by Ben Murtagh in 2006 and 2008 revealed at least four distinct construction phases hidden beneath the structure’s modern render, each telling a different chapter of Ireland’s turbulent history.

The original tower house, built in the first half of the 16th century, forms the southern half of today’s building. This four storey rectangular structure, measuring roughly 11.75 metres north to south and 9.35 metres east to west, was constructed from quarried grey limestone blocks with a defensive base batter and carefully dressed corner stones. Its strategic military purpose is evident in the positioning of its defensive features; a cross loop on the western wall provided a direct line of fire onto the adjoining bridge, whilst angle loops protected the corners. The original entrance, a pointed arch doorway with an external rebate for an iron grate, opened from the street into a lobby with a guard room and staircase. The main ground floor chamber featured a barrel vaulted ceiling and was lit by three tall loops, though many of these original openings have since been blocked or modified. Interestingly, a crucifixion plaque and memorial stone were later inserted on either side of this original doorway when it was sealed up.

The castle’s most dramatic transformation came around 1802, following the 1798 rebellion, when a three storey extension to the north doubled the building’s size to accommodate its new role as a prison. Vaulted cells with narrow loops were constructed to hold prisoners, whilst larger barred windows were inserted at the upper levels. The building later served as an RIC police barracks from about 1830 to 1872, during which time sash windows were installed and a small northern extension added. Since the late 19th century, it has functioned as a private residence, with the interior dry lined and modernised. Archaeological excavation in 2006 uncovered an 18th century mill race in the adjoining garden, adding another layer to this site’s rich historical tapestry.