The steep sides of this natural defensive position would have made it an ideal location for a medieval stronghold, providing both strategic advantage and a clear line of sight across the surrounding territory. Today, however, visitors will find no visible traces of the castle that once stood here; time and the elements have erased any surface remains of the structure.

The castle’s attribution to Finghin McCarthy comes from historical records, though the exact details of its construction and eventual destruction remain somewhat murky. The McCarthys were one of the most powerful Gaelic families in medieval Cork, controlling vast swathes of territory throughout the region. Their castles and tower houses dotted the landscape, serving as both defensive fortifications and symbols of their authority. This particular site would have been just one piece in a larger network of McCarthy strongholds that helped maintain their dominance in West Cork.

Archaeological surveys conducted in the area, including the comprehensive inventory published in 1992, have documented the site based on historical references and local tradition rather than physical evidence. The complete absence of surface remains suggests the castle may have been thoroughly demolished, with its stones perhaps recycled for use in nearby buildings; a common practice throughout Ireland’s history. Despite the lack of visible ruins, the location itself remains significant as part of Cork’s medieval landscape, offering insights into how the county’s powerful families chose and fortified their defensive positions.