This roughly square tower, measuring 8.75 metres east to west and 8 metres north to south, now consists primarily of its ground floor walls, though a section of ivy-covered first floor wall still clings to the southeast corner. The castle’s simple design features a door opening at the western end of the south wall, with traces of window openings visible in the centre of the west, north and east walls. Joist holes in the remaining walls indicate where wooden floors once divided the interior spaces.

The castle was likely built by the Hodnett family, Anglo-Norman settlers who established themselves in Cork during the medieval period. Ownership later passed to the O’Cahills, an Irish family who held the fortress during more turbulent times. The tower’s defensive position, overlooking the tidal waters, would have provided both strategic advantage and control over local waterways.

According to historical records from 1915, the castle met its end rather dramatically, destroyed by gunpowder in the last decade of the 17th century. This timing places its destruction during the Williamite War in Ireland, when many such fortifications were deliberately demolished to prevent their use by opposing forces. Today, what remains of Ballyvodock Castle offers visitors a glimpse into Cork’s medieval past, its weathered stones telling the story of conquest, occupation and the violent political upheavals that shaped modern Ireland.