Though nothing remains visible at ground level today, historical records paint a detailed picture of what once stood here. The Civil Survey of 1654-6 noted a castle on these lands that was already “wanting repayre”, suggesting the structure had fallen into disrepair even by the mid-17th century.

The Ordnance Survey Letters of 1840 provide fascinating details about the site’s layout and defences. The castle sat within an oblong bawn that measured approximately 180 feet from east to west and 124 feet from north to south, with foundation walls that were still traceable at that time. Within these walls, archaeologists could make out the foundations of various other buildings that once formed part of the castle complex. The site’s defensive features were particularly clever; a twelve-foot-wide trench ran along the northern side, accompanied by a foss (defensive ditch) that extended beyond the bawn’s eastern boundary where it widened considerably.

What makes Knockacurra particularly interesting is how its builders worked with the natural landscape to create their defences. The southern approach was already secured by the ridge’s natural steep slope, eliminating the need for artificial fortification there. The trench and foss appear to have been concentrated on the northern side, whilst the more vulnerable eastern and western approaches would have required constant watch. This selective fortification shows a practical understanding of defensive architecture, using resources efficiently whilst maximising the site’s natural advantages. Though marked on Ordnance Survey maps well into the 20th century, the earthworks and castle site have since vanished from view, leaving only historical records to tell their tale.