Built by Donal Mac Carthy for the Mac Carthys of Drishane, this rectangular fortress measures 10.7 metres east to west and 9.3 metres north to south, its stone walls rising from the steep sided crag about 250 metres west of the nearby Carrigaphooca stone circle. The castle’s turbulent history includes a notable attack in 1602 when it was seized by a rival MacCarthy faction alongside O’Sullivan Beare, highlighting the fierce clan rivalries that characterised medieval Ireland.

The tower’s interior reveals the sophisticated defensive architecture typical of 15th century Irish tower houses. Entry is gained through a ground floor door in the north wall, now accessed by modern steps installed during recent conservation work by the Office of Public Works. From here, a clever system of mural stairs rises through the eastern wall, initially straight before spiralling up to the fourth floor. Each level served different purposes; the lower chambers feature carefully designed windows with segmental vaults and square headed lights, whilst the third floor contains a pointed vault running east to west, complete with a garderobe chamber tucked into the south wall. The fourth floor, once the lord’s private quarters, boasts windows on all four walls and access to defensive wall walks via concealed mural stairs.

Though its battlements have long since crumbled away, the castle retains two corner bartizans supported by corbels at the northeast and southwest corners, testament to its original defensive capabilities. Now designated as National Monument number 255 in State ownership, Carrigaphooca Castle has been carefully restored whilst maintaining its authentic medieval character. The preservation work has ensured that visitors can still explore most of the tower’s chambers and experience the ingenious layout that once provided both comfort and security to one of Cork’s most prominent Gaelic families.