Reeves Castle is believed to derive its name from the Anglo-Norman rive, "riverbank," although other sources connect it to the Old Irish ruibh, "rue.

"[4] It was built in the 14th century as one of a range of tower houses whose purpose was to defend The Pale from Gaelic Irish raiders.

In the 16th century it was part of the manor of Donaghcumper; in 1537 the manor, along with Reeves Castle was leased to Sir John Alen; the arms of the Alen family were later affixed to Reeves Castle, and they are still to be seen there, now joined to the newer building.

[5] The tower house was burned during the Irish Rebellion of 1641, by order of Lord Justice John Borlase, but it was listed as "in good repair" in 1649.

[6] Today the fortification is located on the grain farm of a Michael McBennett and is not open to the public.