This rectangular earthwork, measuring 51 metres from east-northeast to west-southwest and 38 metres from north-northwest to south-southeast, represents a type of fortified settlement that was particularly common in Ireland during the 13th and 14th centuries. The site consists of two earthen banks with a defensive ditch, or fosse, running between them; a classic design that would have provided both security and status to its medieval inhabitants.

The inner bank, standing at an impressive 2.4 metres high, remains largely intact except along the southern side where erosion has taken its toll. Between the two banks runs the fosse, a steep-sided, flat-bottomed ditch about 5 metres wide and 1.4 metres deep, though it becomes shallower towards the south and collects water in its southwest corner. The outer bank, considerably lower at just 1 metre high, is bounded by a stream on its eastern side, whilst quarrying activities have cut into its northern face near the northwest corner. Both banks are now planted with deciduous trees, adding to the site’s atmospheric quality.

The original entrance to this moated enclosure can still be identified on the southern side near the southeast corner, where gaps of 3.5 metres through the inner bank and 2 metres through the outer bank would have allowed access to the interior. Today, the level interior space has become overgrown with thick bushes and briars, particularly towards the centre, giving the site a wild, forgotten quality that belies its former importance as a defended homestead in medieval Cork.