When Castle Carra was built is unknown although it probably dates from early 14th century. It is a square tower house with a bawn built over a Mesolithic flint working site. In 1565 the castle was owned by the self-proclaimed Earl of Ulster Shane O'Neill who imprisoned Sorley Boy McDonnell here In 1567, two years after being defeated by Shane O'Neill, the McDonnells entertained their former adversary in Castle Carra, providing two days of hunting and feasting.