What began as a rectangular 15th century tower house was later transformed into an L-shaped fortified residence, most likely during the late 16th or early 17th century. The three-storey tower, measuring approximately 14 metres north to south and 15 metres east to west, features a distinctive western projection that may have been added to accommodate a staircase. The structure’s defensive heritage is evident in the corbels at the northwest and southeast corners, which once supported bartizans, whilst a cut-stone doorway with a semi-elliptical arch and iron grille speaks to its fortified past.

The castle’s tumultuous history reflects the broader political struggles of medieval Ireland, changing hands multiple times between powerful families. According to historical records, the Mac Carthys built the castle after the Earls of Desmond recovered the property in the 16th century, and the Mac Carthy family maintained their connection to Ballea until the late 1600s. By 1750, the castle had fallen into ruin, described as “a large ruin” by contemporary observers, but its story was far from over; the Hodder family rebuilt it as a country house, breathing new life into the ancient walls.

Today, Ballea Castle serves as a private residence, having undergone extensive renovation and modernisation whilst retaining many of its historic features. During recent renovations, several 17th century architectural elements were removed from the tower, including moulded limestone slabs, stepped hood-moulding terminals, and a mullioned window sill, which now rest on the grounds nearby. The property also features a walled garden accessed through a doorway with a re-set cut-stone arch displaying multi-grooved chamfer work terminating in a pointed stop, another testament to the castle’s rich architectural heritage and the various phases of construction that have shaped this remarkable survivor of Cork’s medieval landscape.