Today, there’s no dramatic ruin or crumbling tower to mark where this medieval stronghold once stood; instead, the field appears unremarkable to the casual observer. Yet beneath this peaceful grazing land lies the ghost of a castle that once belonged to the FitzGibbons, one of the prominent Norman families who shaped the political landscape of medieval Cork.

The only hint of the castle’s existence came to light when the landowner attempted to level part of the field. During this work, they uncovered cut stone beneath a raised area that stood about four feet higher than the surrounding ground. This subtle elevation in the landscape, easily overlooked by anyone walking through the field, represents all that remains visible of what was once a defensive structure commanding views across the Cork countryside.

The FitzGibbons, also known as the White Knights, were a powerful Anglo-Norman family who held considerable sway in County Cork from the medieval period onwards. Their castle at Coolcaum would have served as both a residence and a statement of authority in the region, though time and agricultural activity have erased almost all physical traces of their presence. The site serves as a reminder of how Ireland’s medieval heritage often lies hidden just beneath the surface, waiting to reveal itself through chance discoveries or careful archaeological investigation.