Archaeological excavations by O’Kelly in 1952 revealed that this promontory fort had multiple lives; the fosse (defensive ditch) from its early medieval incarnation was deliberately re-cut and the entire headland re-fortified during the late medieval period. The defenders constructed a stone causeway on the landward side of the fosse at the neck of the promontory, which O’Kelly believed was originally connected to the interior by a wooden drawbridge, adding another layer of security to this already formidable position.

The fortifications included sections of curtain wall that ran along the promontory’s edge, with the best-preserved portions on the northern side. An opening in the wall aligned with the causeway, marking the main entrance to the stronghold. Within the enclosure, O’Kelly uncovered the lower courses of a substantial rectangular structure measuring at least 16 feet wide and 33 feet long, though coastal erosion had claimed its southern end. This house featured an internal partition wall dividing it into two rooms, with the smaller chamber serving as a kitchen complete with the remains of a hearth or wall oven in one corner.

The house met a violent end, as evidenced by charred wooden roof timbers and slates found overlying the floor, clear signs of destruction by fire. Pottery fragments date the occupation to between 1550 and 1650, whilst lead musket balls found on site point to conflict around 1650, possibly during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. This pattern of re-fortification wasn’t unique; many coastal promontory forts along the West Cork coastline were similarly transformed during this turbulent period, often incorporating tower houses and bawn enclosures, as seen at Dundeady and Downeen. These adaptations reflect the changing nature of warfare and the persistent strategic importance of these coastal strongholds throughout Irish history.