These fortified courtyards were essential features of plantation castles throughout Ireland, providing a secure space for livestock and serving as the first line of defence against raids. The Castlepook bawn would have featured high stone walls, likely with defensive towers at the corners, creating a formidable barrier between the castle’s residents and any potential threats from the surrounding countryside.

Archaeological records indicate this particular bawn formed part of the larger Castlepook Castle complex, though today only traces of its original structure remain visible in the landscape. Like many bawns built during the 16th and 17th centuries, it would have enclosed several acres of land directly adjacent to the castle, with gates carefully positioned to control access whilst maintaining clear sight lines for defenders. The walls, typically constructed from local limestone, would have been substantial enough to withstand small arms fire and discourage cattle raiders who were a constant threat during this turbulent period of Irish history.

The site was formally documented by Denis Power and uploaded to archaeological records on 22 March 2013, with detailed survey work carried out by Cotter in 1994. These records help preserve the memory of a defensive structure that played a crucial role in the daily life of plantation settlers, offering protection not just from military threats but from the harsh realities of frontier life in early modern Ireland. The bawn’s remains continue to offer insights into the defensive strategies and architectural choices of those who sought to establish new lives in Cork during one of Ireland’s most transformative periods.