This former stronghold of the Clan Dermot MacCarthy now exists as a levelled site marked by a substantial mound rising 2.35 metres high. The castle’s strategic position on elevated ground would have given its medieval inhabitants clear sightlines across the surrounding countryside, making it both a defensive asset and a statement of power in the region.

Archaeological evidence suggests the castle may have been surrounded by a fosse, or defensive ditch, on its northern and eastern sides, though these features are currently obscured by heavy vegetation and remain inaccessible for detailed examination. The MacCarthys, one of the most powerful Gaelic families in Munster, built numerous castles throughout Cork during the medieval period, and Scart Castle would have formed part of their extensive network of fortifications controlling key territories and trade routes.

Today, visitors to the site near Ardrah will find little of the original stone structure remains visible above ground, with the large earthen mound being the most prominent feature. The castle’s history was first documented by Coleman in 1972, and subsequent archaeological surveys have helped piece together its role in the complex political landscape of medieval Cork, where Gaelic lords like the MacCarthys maintained their authority through a combination of military strength and strategic castle placement.