This rectangular earthwork measures 40.5 metres from north to south and 30.4 metres from east to west, enclosed by an earthen bank that rises to about 1.6 metres in height. The bank has been incorporated into the modern field fence on the eastern, southern, and northern sides, whilst the interior of the site slopes gently down towards the east.

Moated sites like this one were typically built between the 13th and 14th centuries, often by Anglo-Norman settlers or prosperous farmers who wanted to demonstrate their status whilst providing some defensive capabilities for their homesteads. The moat, which would have been water-filled originally, served both practical and symbolic purposes; deterring livestock and unwanted visitors whilst creating an impressive boundary around the dwelling within.

Today, the site at Garryndruig stands as a subtle reminder of medieval settlement patterns in West Cork. Though the original buildings that once stood within the enclosure have long since disappeared, the earthworks themselves have survived remarkably well, helped by their integration into the existing field system. These sites offer valuable insights into how the medieval landscape was organised and how different communities chose to mark their presence on the land during a period of significant social and political change in Ireland.