The 1840 Ordnance Survey map shows it as a small rectangular structure positioned near the eastern end of an oval mound measuring roughly 35 metres east to west and 20 metres north to south. By the time the 1928 OS map was drawn up, even this modest trace had vanished, with the location simply marked as ‘site of’.

The castle’s final years were documented by the antiquarian Thomas Johnson Westropp, who noted that O’Haynes’ castle, as it was locally known, had been repaired by a Mr Hannan before 1826. Despite these restoration efforts, the structure was completely levelled before 1840, leaving no visible remains today. The timing suggests the castle may have been demolished shortly after the repairs, perhaps reflecting the changing fortunes of its owners or the broader social upheavals of early 19th century Ireland.

Though the castle itself has disappeared, one intriguing artefact survived its destruction: a sheila-na-gig, one of those enigmatic stone carvings of female figures found throughout Ireland and Britain. This particular example, now catalogued as LI023-040001, is believed to have been removed from the castle before its demolition. These carvings, often displaying exaggerated sexual characteristics, remain one of medieval Ireland’s most debated architectural features; their presence at Black Castle hints at the building’s medieval origins and the complex symbolism that adorned even modest fortifications.