This oval platform measures 38 metres north to south and 32.5 metres east to west, rising about 1.2 metres above the surrounding wet pasture. A stream flows northward to the west of the site, contributing to the boggy conditions that would have made this location a peculiar choice for any defensive structure. Unlike most ringforts, there’s no visible evidence of an external fosse, though a modern drain now runs along the northeast quadrant.

The earthwork’s construction appears to have included both earth and stone elements; protruding stones along the western edge of the scarp suggest the remains of a bank that once reinforced the platform’s perimeter. The site’s low;lying position and modest defensive features indicate it may have served a different purpose than the typical Irish ringfort, which were usually built on elevated ground for strategic advantage. Archaeological surveys have noted similarities between this site and other medieval earthworks at Meelick in County Galway and Clonard in County Meath, suggesting it may be a ringwork castle rather than a traditional ringfort.

These ringwork castles represent an interesting chapter in Ireland’s medieval history, often associated with Anglo;Norman settlement patterns from the 12th and 13th centuries. While they share some characteristics with earlier Irish ringforts, they typically reflect different construction techniques and settlement strategies. The Ballycahill site’s placement in such waterlogged terrain might have been deliberate; marshy ground could provide its own form of defence, making approach difficult for potential attackers whilst also controlling access to the valley’s resources.