Ross Castle is a typical stronghold tower house, surrounded by a “bawn” (defensive wall). Its first floor was designed for storage of items used in the running and maintenance of the structure. House attendants and castle guards lived on the second floor, with the third floor reserved for food preparation and eating space for the servants and guards.. The Chief of the clan and his family typically lived and slept on the fourth floor. A Great Hall on the fifth floor is where the family ate and entertained. This also served as the very last stronghold against invading forces.
Today, Ross Castle (which is open to the public for tours) is one of the best preserved examples of the Middle-Ages Tower Houses.