The main structure is a four-storey rectangular tower house, measuring 7.15 metres east to west and 4.55 metres north to south internally. This imposing fortification features a pointed vault over its second floor and two doorways positioned one above the other near the western end of its south wall. From the first-floor entrance, straight mural stairs lead upward to the southeast corner of the third floor, whilst a spiral staircase in the same corner continues to the roof level. The tower’s defensive capabilities were enhanced by a garderobe chamber built into the north wall at first-floor level, with its chute exiting at the base of the east wall.

The tower house displays varying window styles across its levels; round-headed single lights at ground level give way to what appear to be square-headed openings on upper floors, though these are now poorly preserved. The third-floor window embrasures retain their stone seats, offering a glimpse of the comfort afforded to the castle’s inhabitants. Numerous putlog holes dot all external walls, evidence of the scaffolding used during construction, whilst the base batter has been removed over time. To the south, along the ringfort’s bank, stands a smaller three-storey mural tower, measuring 2.8 metres by 1.32 metres internally. Though now covered in ivy, this auxiliary structure features its own pointed wicker-centred vault over the second floor and spiral stairs in the southwest corner leading to the roof.

Known locally as the ‘White Castle’, this fortification belonged to the O’Mahony clan, one of the prominent Gaelic families who controlled much of west Cork during the medieval period. The complex represents an interesting example of how later medieval builders adapted earlier defensive sites, incorporating the ancient earthwork of the ringfort into their stone fortifications. The presence of both towers, connected by the ringfort’s defensive bank, created a formidable stronghold that commanded views across Roaringwater Bay and the surrounding countryside.